CHARLES & PATRICIA LESTER

Charles and Patricia Lester Welsh Designers

There are no distinct boundaries in the talents and interests of Charles and Patricia Lester. This is a short biography of the famous Welsh designers. You can also read an essay about the designers work by the Cardiff International Poet of the Year 2005, Linda Rogers . You can also learn more about the writer Linda Rogers from the web site Linda Rogers

Charles Lester

Charles Lester started his career as a textile physicist with ICI He then moved into teaching, setting up and running a new department for design, craft and technology at Monmouth School for Boys. Charles left teaching to join Patricia fifteen years ago. More detail see page end.

Patricia Lester

Patricia trained and worked as a secretary, but when their daughter Georgina was born, she decided to work from home so that she could spend as much time as possible with her child. Little did they think when Patricia took in dressmaking that it would lead to the two of them being considered one of the most inventive and unusual fashion and textile design teams. Their work not only adorns some of the most exotic women and homes in the world, but it is also collected and exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries. More detail see page end.

Designers studio

The Lesters' main studio is based in the little market town of Abergavenny in Wales, with a design studio being planned for Llansteffan in West Wales. The incredible beauty and tranquility of the Welsh countryside and the dramatic rugged coastal regions constantly excite them. Every day the transforming light and colours inspire their ingenious creativity. It does not matter if they are working on a special wedding gown, a tapestry, a bedspread or just a tiny cushion; each piece is a unique work of art, Their studios are near to the M4, M5, M50 motorways and are also very accessible by rail. By train we are, for example, just over two hours from London by train making it a very simple trip in one day.

The designers collection

Their use of colour is unsurpassed, as are the innovative techniques; which they have developed over the years. Every idea and invention is experimented with until the evolved process is perfected. Beyond the concept of couture - they paint into each piece of cloth the shadows and light that an artist would use to show the richness and luminosity of a garment, casting spells of colour and dimension that deceive the mind and the eye. The fabrics are then crafted by their small skilled team into extraordinary pieces. All the work is completed 'in house' including the painting, hand printing and hand pleating as well as the final construction. Unhindered by the constraints of conventional sewing traditions, the clothes are moulded onto the body using the qualities of the cloth to dictate the method of construction. The clothes are sensual and minimalist, uncluttered and refined in shaping.

Patricia's hallmark - meticulous attention to detail - has attracted an impressive number of admirers, who appreciate the craftsmanship as well as the 'inspired' qualities of the collections. They are luxurious clothes that touch the spirituality and femininity of the wearer as no other designer can. Royalty and icons of the film world and the pop world alike enjoy the unique fashion style of these designers.

The Lesters' passion for textiles has lead to the extension of the business into the film and opera world as well as an interesting home interior collection. They undertake commission work for theatre and interiors including costumes, tapestries, bedcovers, cushions, throws, screens and curtains. Pleated silks, sumptuous velvets, all painted and printed in such a way as to compliment the most exotic antiques or futuristic interiors. The textiles have a timeless quality, which adapt like a chameleon to any environment.

Charles and Patricia's daughter Georgina is now a valued member of the design team continuing in the spirit of her parents work but adding her own dimension having previously worked as a stained glass artist.

More information about Patricia

More information about Charles

Retail Showrooms
The Workhouse, Union Road, Abergavenny, Mon. 01873 853559
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.

Liberty, Great Marlborough St, London. 0207 734 1234

Charles Lester his mother and her work; Marjory Lester and her books of water color paintings are ideal as a different present.

A MEMBER OF

ANTICOPYING IN DESIGN.

Directors: Patricia Lester M.B.E., Charles Lester.

Abergavenny is known as "The Gateway to Wales" and is at the start of the Brecon Beacons and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The M4 motorway makes all the South of England and home counties accessible to this unique bustling market town, vibrant in its diversity. Abergavenny is in South East Wales - not far from Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, Hereford, Newport and Swansea. There are very good rail and road links with the West Midlands, Birmingham, Oxford and the West Country (Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Avon and Cornwall). From London the route is easy and direct - crossing the new Severn Bridge is an experience in itself - a wonderful giant sculpture particularly spectacular agaist dark clouds or early evening or the low light of dawn.

Abergavenny is also at the hub of many famous events - the Abergavenny Food Festival now a 'must' on everybody's calendar who is interested in the culture of food. With so many things to do and see, it is worth taking time to explore the area - even Harry Potter's bus stopped at Abergavenny! It makes a great centre from which to explore the area, such as a day in Usk, famous for its wonderful floral displays throughout the town. Or perhaps a walk over the famous Blorenge Mountain - the only word that rhymes with 'orange'! The Llanfoist Open Garden day is worth a visit - a day spent exploring the wonderful gardens of the village makes an unusual and inspiring 'day out'.

The Brecon Jazz Festival is only twenty miles away as is the Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport which has several golf courses and was the host to the Ryder Cup in the year 2010. The internationally famous 'Hay Literary Festival', Hay Literary Festival held at Hay on Wye, attracts many famous visitors including Bill and Hilary Clinton, who were guests at the 2002 festival. 'The Three Choirs Festival' (Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester) - a celebration of choral music, is only an hour's drive away. Abergavenny is in the heart of the county of Monmouthshire, a county that has more castles and fortified houses than any other county in Britain.

For industrial history there is the famous 'Big Pit' Mining Museum in Blaenavon as well as the most glorious countryside where walking, horse-riding, both lake and canal boating, fishing - country activities too numerous to remember them all.

As a contrast to the gentle countryside, Cardiff, with its Millennium Stadium and Millennium Centre provide entertainment in sport and culture in the most modern and sophisticated of surroundings in Cardiff Bay, once a busy dock area, now home to the contrasts of high profile modern living alongside the historic Norwegian Church and the new Assembly building. St Fagans Museum is a major museum of Welsh Life a worthwhile day out for those interested in social history.

There are a number of places to stay from the exotic and luxurious hotel - Llangoed Hall (the inspiration of Sir Bernard Ashley: co-founder of the Laura Ashley fashion label) - to Bear Hotel in Crickhowell (winner of the British Pub of the Year Award as well as the AA Welsh Pub of the Year). Gliffaes Country House Hotel' is only five miles from the town and is set in over twenty acres of beautiful gardens. The hotel is on the banks of the river Usk, famous for its salmon and trout fishing. Extensive fishing rights on the river can be used by hotel guests. 'The Angel Hotel' has an excellent dining menu. There are many other places to stay and eat fine food. For those who want a few days of luxurious pampering there is the Celtic Manor Hotel. Here can be enjoyed the hotel's award winning spa, gymnasium, golf, tennis and several restaurants as well as a little bit of shopping.

tel: 44 (0) 1873 853559

Abergavenny, Wales,

NP7 7RL. UK.

fax: 44 (0) 1873 858666