Living on the Edge, by Northumberland artist and handweaver Karen Charlton, will go on display at Borders Textile Towerhouse in Hawick, inspired by the dramatic beauty of the coastline and the ‘visionary legacy’ of textile designer Bernat Klein.

The exhibition features handwoven works and paintings influenced by coastal textures and colours, particularly those found in the tidal zone where land meets sea.

Shawl created by Karen Charlton (Image: Live Borders)

Karen Charlton, textile artist, said: “For many years I have greatly admired Bernat Klein’s artwork and woven textiles, in particular the way he blended colours and used textured yarns.

“I was able to visit the Bernat Klein archive in Galashiels to study examples of his work in detail.

“The visit helped to inform my own practice of creating yarns and weaving fabric.

“It is an honour to have my work Living on the Edge exhibited alongside textile items by Bernat Klein at Borders Textile Towerhouse.”

Karen Charlton works with natural fibres, including sheep and alpaca wool, dyeing and spinning the fibres by hand, enabling her to create interesting coloured textural yarn (Image: Live Borders)

Working with natural fibres such as sheep and alpaca wool, Ms Charlton dyes and spins the material by hand to produce rich, textured yarns for her woven pieces.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a handwoven coat inspired by early 19th-century fisherwomen’s shawls and wraps.

The coat combines a sculptural form with warmth and softness, featuring a distinctive shawl collar.

The exhibition also includes selected garments by Bernat Klein from the Hawick Museum collection, highlighting his enduring influence on contemporary textile design.

Small Abstract Art, 2025 by artist Karen Charlton (Image: Live Borders)

Ms Charlton’s work draws on Klein’s use of colour blends and textured yarns and illustrates how the legacy of Bernat Klein continues to inspire new creative talent.

Klein, who lived and worked in the Borders, was known for his innovative use of colour blends and textured yarns.

Living on the Edge runs from July 25 to November 2.

The exhibition is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.