Made with the artist
We work with Nigerian painters to turn their work into thread paintings. The artist approves every piece before an edition goes on sale.
Signed and numbered
Each work is released in a small, fixed edition. Every piece is numbered and comes with a certificate signed by the artist.
Stitched in Lagos
Stitch direction follows the original brushwork. Each piece is sewn on our own embroidery machines and finished by hand in our studio.
Why thread
A painting holds light one way. Thread holds it differently: it catches the light and turns as you walk past, so the same work changes from morning to evening.
Cloth has always carried Nigerian art. Adire, aso-oke and the embroidery on an agbada are some of the oldest image-making traditions we have. Òwú is Yoruba for cotton, and our editions carry contemporary painting into that same material.
From painting to thread
The painting
We photograph the original under controlled light with a colour reference, so the thread starts from the artist’s true colours.
The translation
We map every colour to a real thread and set the stitches to run the way the brush moved. This is where a painting becomes a thread painting.
The artist’s approval
The artist reviews a stitched sample and signs it off. Nothing goes on sale until they are happy with it.
Stitching and finishing
Each piece is stitched on our machines in Lagos, then stretched over hardwood bars or framed, and checked by hand.
Signed and recorded
Every piece is numbered, signed by the artist and recorded. When an edition sells out, it is never stitched again.
The editions
Studio
40 × 50 cm
Stretched on hardwood bars. Edition of 15.
Collector
60 × 80 cm
Stretched on hardwood bars. Edition of 8.
Signature
90 × 120 cm
Framed and glazed. Edition of 3.
Prices are shared with the private list ahead of each release. We deliver across Lagos and ship internationally.
For artists
Your work, in a new medium, without giving up control of it.
- Your name comes first on every piece, label and listing.
- You approve the stitched sample before anything is sold.
- You are paid on every piece in the edition.
- You keep the copyright in your painting and remain free to sell the original and prints.
- Edition sizes are fixed when we start and are never extended.
Questions
Is it embroidered by hand?
No. The stitching is done by machine, from a file we prepare with the artist. Preparing that file, stretching, finishing and checking each piece is done by hand. We think the honest answer matters more than a romantic one.
What makes an edition limited?
The edition size is set before the first piece is made. Each piece carries its number, and every piece is recorded. When the last one is made, the edition is closed and the file is retired.
How do I care for a piece?
Hang it out of direct sunlight and away from damp walls. Dust it gently with a soft, dry brush. Do not wash it or iron it.
Can I commission a piece?
Not yet. For now we only release artist editions. Join the private list to hear when that changes.
How do I buy?
Each release opens to the private list first. You can pay in naira, or in pounds and dollars from abroad.
The first editions open privately before public release.
Join the private list