Julia Astreou-Christoforou welcomes visitors to a traditional house on the central square of old Kaimakli in Nicosia. She studied textiles and fashion design in the UK, then spent around twenty years with the Cyprus Handicraft Service. In Cyprus she learnt from local artisans and studied embroidery, lace and traditional costume as well as weaving.

Julia works on a Cypriot handloom and combines local techniques with her own designs. The fabric becomes clothing, shawls, bags, household objects and textile artworks. She has also made theatre costumes that combine traditional weaving and modern materials. Her work has been shown in exhibitions in Cyprus and abroad.

In a class you can see historic samples and try some of the basic techniques. These include Phyti's geometric patterns and asproploumia, an openwork weave made by twisting the threads. Arrange a visit or workshop in advance using the contact details in Julia Astreou-Christoforou's profile.