The coats have stories to tell. The peacock coat was comissioned to replace a much loved peacock who jealously guarded his companion. My own picture coats relate chapters in my life, written anecdotes are also cut and stitched in the image to record events happening around me when the coat is being made. I like secret languages, some of the messages are hidden in runes and heiroglyphic code. They are patchwork with applique and reverse applique. I called them "walking pictures". Some are like paintings with sleeves you can take off the wall and wear out in the streets. they have an energy and are beautiful things to wear. Recent pieces have been made to personal commission, email for an appointment.
The original "Tolkien" coat was made in 1969 and the second picture coat "Akhnaton", created in 1976, now forms part of the - V&A Textile Collection- ref: John Jones:Coat T114 - 1989: Contact textilesandfashion@vam.ac.uk to view the coat. I miss having this coat around so I am currently working on Neftertiti. I have often thought of some of the images as wearable body paintings like the San Blas Kunas and their intricate molas, also shown is a cut paper " house of fairy tales" ruff which formed part of the recent "Equisite Trove" exhibition New Gallery Walsall October 09-Jan2010
The Bird coat image is available as a Limited edition print in the gallery store