Noémi Speiser (1926–2025): A luminous voice leaves our arms, stays in our spirit

On 18 September 2025, the textile world lost one of its most luminous voices. Noémi Speiser, Textile Artist and Grande Dame of off-loom weaving and braiding, fell asleep forever—leaving behind a body of work that continues to challenge, instruct and inspire.

In early 2024, when Noémi was 97, I had the honour of interviewing her just as she released her celebrated Annotated Classification of Textile Techniques. A luminary of off-loom weaving techniques and a pioneer of learning, Noémi spoke with undiminished clarity, precision and joy—reflecting on her devotion to discovering the mental order of threads, the rhythm of their dance, and her passion for knowledge-sharing.

THE GAZE invites you to read the full Spotlight interview slowly, soaking in Noémi's wisdom. Click here.

© Copyright Hazel Clarke 2025