An Artist’s Biography: Cornish Painter Sarah Vivian. From careers of hand-loom weaving and tailoring and running a gallery in Devon, to moving to Cornwall. Sarah studied Education, Art, and Craft, and followed the craft avenue professionally. She set up a business in 1977 as a craft weaver, and later had her own gallery in Dawlish. Despite always wanting to paint, Sarah has only been able to paint full time for her income since 2001.

7th April 1953

Birth. Lived in Bath, where her father was a well-known Georgian restoration architect. Wanted to be an artist as a teenager, but instead succumbed to pressure to train for “a decent career”!

June 1975

Gained an Honours Degree in Education from Southampton University with Art and Craft as the main subjects. Also Cert Ed as part of Degree.

1975 to 1977

Did not enjoy teaching children, so taught Art & Craft part-time to adults, at Bognor Regis College of Education in Sussex, whilst also developing weaving.

1977

Moved to Devon & set up Handloom weaving business “Vivian Handweaves” making rugs & pattern weave tweed for a wide range of coats, jackets, shawls & bags.

1978

Became member of Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

1979

Moved business to Chudleigh Wheel, which shortly became “The Wheel Craft Workshops”. With myself as co-ordinator, complex developed into 17 workshops & restaurant.

1982 (to 1990)

Became Council member of Devon Guild, helped set up Riverside Mill, & then became one of the Directors for Riverside Mill. (Voluntary work)

1985 (to 1987)

Member of Consultative Committee on Crafts for Devon County Council. (Voluntary work)

1985 to 1987

As well as weaving, painted series of landscapes of Dartmoor (approx 45) which were also sold at “The Wheel”.

1988

Moved business to own Gallery in Dawlish, Devon – “The Vivian Gallery”. Diversified into general textiles, producing a wide range of items in painted silk, printed fabrics, batik, embroidery and applique, and especially patchwork. The gallery also sold the work of over 150 craftspeople, and held exhibitions.

1990 (to 1993)

Secretary Dawlish Chamber of Commerce.(Voluntary work)

1994

Sold Gallery, as a going concern, due to husband’s job relocation to Midlands. Worked from home, supplying “The Vivian Gallery”.

1996

Move to Cornwall after divorce. Worked on range of multicolour patchwork needlecord jackets, supplied to The Vivian Gallery, The Roundhouse at Sennen, & Cornwall Crafts Association at Trelowarren. Also recommenced painting part time, which became full time by 2001.

Till current day…

Since then, painting has been completely full time, as well as dealing with the card & print business, and there have been a variety of exhibitions – please see exhibitions page for further details.