CFPR at the Festival of Nature 2026
We are delighted to be taking part in the Festival of Nature 2026, the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world, taking place from 6–14 June across Bristol, Bath and online.
As part of this year’s programme, researchers from UWE Bristol’s Centre for Print Research (CFPR) will host an interactive workshop, Printing with Plant Colour, inviting visitors to explore sustainable approaches to textile colour and design.
Printing with Plant Colour
Have you ever wondered where the colours in your clothing come from? Join Dr Laura Morgan and Laura Clarke from the Centre for Print Research to discover how colour can be created from plants and other natural materials.
This hands-on, drop-in workshop gives participants the opportunity to print their own recycled cotton tote bag using bio-derived colour and leave with a unique item they have made themselves. Suitable for all ages and requiring no previous experience, the activity offers a creative introduction to sustainable textile practices.
The workshop is based on ongoing research at CFPR exploring how plant-based colour systems can support lower-impact textile production. Through making and experimentation, visitors will learn about the environmental impact of conventional textile colouring processes and discover how alternative materials and methods can contribute to more sustainable futures for fashion and textiles.
Meet the Researchers
Dr Laura Morgan is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Print Research. Her work investigates innovative approaches to colouring, printing and repairing textiles using bio-based materials and digital technologies. Through her research, she explores more circular and environmentally responsible methods of textile design and production. Her work has been exhibited internationally and published in leading journals, including the Journal of Cleaner Production and the Journal of Textile Design Research and Practice.
Laura Clarke is a Master Printer and Senior Research Technician in Print Technologies. Specialising in traditional print processes, she collaborates with researchers and artists to develop ideas, test materials and apply specialist print knowledge across art, design, materials and engineering disciplines.
We look forward to welcoming visitors to this creative and informative workshop as part of a week-long celebration of nature, sustainability and innovation.
