B. Kirby (b. Blackpool, 1992) is a self-taught textile artist based in Manchester, UK. Her practice explores the transformative potential of fibre through processes of manipulation, time-intensive making, and heritage techniques. Rooted in sustainability and ecological awareness, her work opens up conversations around material responsibility in a time of environmental and social precarity.

After an early career in interior design, Kirby established her studio practice in 2020 without formal training, developing a distinctive approach through experimentation and independent research. Her work is grounded in curiosity, persistence and a deep commitment to low-impact making. She works exclusively with antique fabrics and surplus yarns, embracing the limitations and embedded histories of these materials as integral to the work. 

Her recent series, developed with surplus mohair sourced from a local mill in Northern England, foregrounds the tactile and ephemeral nature of fibre, transformed through intensive brushing and hand-stitching. Guided by an ethos of slow craft, Kirby creates pieces that reward quiet, sustained attention. This sensibility underpins her ongoing exploration of material nuance, labour and care. 

Selected Exhibitions

2024 - HANDS - 8 Holland Street Gallery, curated by Wondering People, London (group)
2022 - In the Nicest Way Possible - Where the Light Gets In, Stockport (solo)
2022 - Tactile Interactions - Aboli Bibliot, curated by Objects & Sounds, Antwerp (group) 
2022 - Super Futures - Selfridges, Manchester (group) 

Press

2024 - The Sunday Times
2024 - The Standard
2022 - Enki Magazine
2021 - Elle Decoration
2020 - New Norm Mag 

for enquiries contact bec@soosumsee.com