Odette Campbell: Reimagining Bargello at Parham House

Midlands-based textile artist Odette Campbell presents a striking new collection of modern Bargello works inspired by her research trip to the historic Parham House, funded by the Arts Council England’s Develop Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grant.

Known for translating the rigid lines and grit of urban architecture into vibrant textile forms, Odette brings a contemporary perspective to Parham’s rich heritage.

For this exhibition, she allows the estate’s exceptional paintings, treasured objects, and vivid garden flowers to directly influence her canvas work, beautifully fusing centuries-old needlepoint tradition with bold, modern innovation.

The resulting pieces showcase a brilliant dialogue between historical reverence and cutting-edge design, as seen in the vibrant colorways of her collection. The warm, rhythmic energy of the estate is captured in the bargello reds image above, which features an electrifying flame stitch pattern of fiery oranges, hot pinks, and deep plums. In contrast, the bargello purple image takes a cooler, more stately approach, utilising geometric diamond medallions in regal purples, soft lavenders, and sunny yellows. Together, these works offer a fresh interpretation of Bargello that celebrates both heritage and artistic evolution.

Odette will be showcasing her exhibition in the Seed Room from Wednesday 15th July until and on Sunday 26th July.