Polish fibre artist Anna Tomaszewska is taking part in the Oxford Art Society Open Exhibition 2026, presenting her work alongside artists from across the UK. The annual exhibition is organised by the Oxford Art Society, which was founded in 1891 to support artists and promote the visual arts in Oxford and the surrounding area.

Born in Warsaw in 1960, Tomaszewska has developed a practice centred on fibre, textiles and their organic qualities. Her work explores symbolism and personal experience through natural and synthetic fibres, with the artist often dyeing and spinning her own yarns to create the materials she needs.

Tomaszewska began her studies in fibre art in Warsaw, where she was mentored by artist Nina Rudzińska, a member of the Association of Polish Artists of Applied Arts. She also studied weaving at the Youth Palace, part of Warsaw’s Palace of Culture and Science.

In 1981, she moved to Sweden, continuing her textile education at Handarbetets Vänner Vävlskola and Stockholms Läns Hemslöjdsförening in Stockholm. She later completed a Master’s degree in Art History at Stockholm University, specialising in textiles, tapestries, rugs and carpets. Until 1992, she ran her own studio in Stockholm, working in fibre art as well as textile conservation and restoration.

Since 1993, Tomaszewska has lived and worked in England. Her work has been exhibited in Poland, Sweden and England.

Reflecting on her practice, Tomaszewska describes her work as rooted in “organic essence and symbolism”, with each piece expressing her personal feelings, thoughts, experiences and observations.

Exhibition information

Oxford Art Society Open Exhibition 2026

10–24 October 2026
Open daily, 11 am–6 pm
Free admission

Kendrew Barn Gallery
St John’s College
Oxford OX1 3JP

More information: Oxford Art Society