Karina Thompson studied Fashion and Textiles at Birmingham College of Art, and began her career as an embroiderer. The works in the collection used a revolutionary technique where by wire threads were stitched over ‘vanishing muslin’. This fabric has a low scorch point and disappears when heated in an oven, leaving only the intricate patterns of metal thread. The resulting mesh is stiffened with spray lacquers and resins before being folded. These lace elements were then combined with exotic feathers and patinated metals. The works in the collection also utilise brass and copper folded and soldered into shape; the metal is then patinated.