No. 16 Justine Warner “A creative textile of Fishergate Postern Tower” 2024 Free machine embroidery
Artist’s note:
I am a textile and mixed media artist based in Sheriff Hutton, near the scenic Howardian Hills. In this piece I have created a fabric and mixed media interpretation of Postern Tower, blending recycled materials and innovative textile techniques. The main canvas incorporates reclaimed ties, re-used threads, and various fabrics, adding depth and texture. I have also incorporated experimental methods such as painting on Bondaweb (used for bonding layers of fabric), Lutradur (a manmade fabric appropriated into artwork from the furniture industry), soluble fabric, netting, and applying acrylic paints.
The intricate details are brought to life through free-motion machine embroidery. The composition is inspired not only by the stone structure of the tower itself but also by the way it sits harmoniously within its natural surroundings. I am fascinated by nature, particularly trees which are frequently in my work, and the contrast with the man-made elements such as urban road markings. This juxtaposition between the ancient tower, the surrounding landscape, and human interventions offers a unique perspective, combining natural and constructed environments.
The piece has been float mounted in an obeche (an African hardwood sustainably sourced) frame with Art-glass to preserve the quality of the piece for many years to come.
To contact Justine Warner or see more of her work:
Email : pearllovespaisley@gmail.com
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/justine_warner_artist/
Web : https://www.justinewarnerartist.com/
FoYW’s note:
This shows Fishergate Postern Tower from the north-east, the road in the foreground is built on land which was once much lower and mainly covered by the waters of the River Foss. This is why the city walls end here. You can see the open-roofed steps up to them just to the left of the tower. The stonework on the right side of the tower is part buttress, stabilising the tower on ground that, at the time of building, was sloping down to the river, and part first-floor toilet. This ‘garderobe’ seated its occupant directly over where their waste would fall: when waters were high, this would be the waters of the Foss. This tower is thought to have been built to replace an earlier one around 1505.
Using this image: The artist has told FoYW that this image of her work may be shared or used non-commercially by anyone
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Posted / Updated 16th February 2026 AF
