Miss Ava’s Millinery – Sarah Blacker-Barrowman
Artist Statement:
“I established Miss Ava’s Millinery in 2014, after I re-trained upon leaving my first career as an archaeologist.
A life-long love of vintage fashion inspires my work and ethos, as I aim to create pieces that you can wear and enjoy for years to come. I am also known to adore a dose of inspiration from the years I spent as a cabaret performer, resulting in some striking and statement pieces.
Using traditionally millinery skills, a growing collection of hat blocks and tiny hand sewn stiches, I hand craft each hat, fascinator and headpiece myself. I offer a limited collection of unique ready-to-wear pieces and love to undertake one-of-a-kind bespoke commissions for all occasions. I also make a range of hat pins and hair accessories.
My recent work has included elements of recycled vintage jewellery, a collection of bridal headpieces, and a wearable sculptural piece for an art exhibition”
Medium & Specialty: Milliner
Sun Pier Resident Since: 2020
Exhibitions and Projects:
- 2020 London Hat Week
- 2020 ‘Art in Lockdown’ exhibition at the Rochester Art Gallery.
- 2026 Resident Show, Sun Pier House
Education and Training:
- 2014 – Millinery, London College of Fashion
- Member of The International Millinery Network
Awards and Recognition:
- British and international press, including ‘Frankie’ and ‘The Lady’
- 2023 Quirky Wedding Awards Finalist
“Being at Sun Pier House has introduced me to a vibrant and supportive community of fellow creatives and small businesses, providing me with opportunities I’d not otherwise have had. Working with a view of the river is idyllic and it’s become my home away from home, where I can immerse myself in my craft.”
Gallery
Our Artists & Creative Community
Sun Pier House is home to 28 working studios shared by 33 professional artists and makers. Undoubtedly forming one of the most diverse and vibrant creative communities on the riverside.
Our residents represent a wide range of contemporary art and craft practices. Within our building you’ll find a tattooist, stop-motion animator, silversmith, performance artist, milliner, illustrator, graphic designer, painter, photographer and many more creative professionals working across disciplines.
Together, our residents reflect the strength and diversity of contemporary creative practice today. With every visit to Sun Pier House, you are not just stepping into a gallery, you are entering a working community of artists and makers shaping the cultural life of our area every day.
