Whynona Yates

1926 Leicester, England–1998, Canada

British-born Whynona Yates was a prolific weaver whose large-scale textile sculptures and wall hangings were shown across Canada and internationally, including in the Canadian Pavilion at Expo 67 and the National Gallery of Canada in 1973.

Based in Edmonton, Yates spun, dyed, and created her works using a variety of woven and off-loom techniques, reflecting an interest in weaving traditions from around the world. Hanging features dense, thatch-like rows of raw fleece fringe as well as fine warp threads and a narrow band of weaving at the top. While recalling a landscape, the fringes may also reference a mino, a type of Japanese outer garment made of water repellant straw.