THELMA SPEIRS AT ALLY CAPELLINO
Feb 07, 2025
A number of parallels in the lives of Ally and Thelma have come to light in the lead up to an exhibition of some new work by Thelma. Both studied fashion at Middlesex polytechnic before setting up independent businesses around Shoreditch. Distinctive individual style and an irreverent take on fashion has been a common bond. In 2015 Thelma was one of the muses in one of Ally’s bag collections inspired by hair colour.
Lockdown in Margate was the start of Thelma’s interest in birds
"I really like dusk and twilight".
"I really like dusk and twilight".
Thelma works between London and Margate and her practice showcases her ability to translate the world as she sees it. Elements of fantasy and personal fascination inhabit her playful two-dimensional works, through a diverse use of mediums and surfaces. The viewer is invited to explore and engage with her artistic expressions, leaving them with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design at Middlesex University she co-founded fashion brand Bernstock Speirs where she still acts as both designer and director.
“It began in lockdown, watching a family of seagulls on the roof opposite my studio in Margate.” After that she began drawing shoreline birds and waders, and then emerged fully fledged herself as a new birdwatcher.
Gulls, crows, pookas in space, hares, chicks with attitude. Inspired by visits to the Natural History Museum and real-life encounters with the natural world, Strange Creatures is a series of engravings and paintings exploring the mystical world of creatures, real and imagined.
Thelma has participated in various exhibitions across the UK including ‘Night Walks’ at Liminal Gallery Cupboard Space - Margate, ‘Birds and Bags’ at Nayland Rock Hotel – Margate, ‘Poot it in Yer Bag’ at Vogue Fabrics - London and ‘Out of Fashion’ at Gallery 46 - London.
Ally and Thelma have collaborated on a limited-edition tote bag featuring one of the artworks from the show.
The exhibition continues until March 9th.
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