About Tracey Cartledge

I am a professional artist and have worked in Public Art since graduating from my Fine Art degree course at Wolverhampton Polytechnic in 1989. 

My first job was with Manchester based environmental art practice, Partnership Art Limited (now Eaton Waygood Associates). I worked there for two years immediately after graduating and gained some invaluable experience assisting many well-established artists on public art projects in the North West region and beyond. I was recruited for the specific task of researching and producing an extensive publication that  assessed the value of Public Art internationally. It was commissioned by Central Manchester Development Corporation.

In 1991, I set up my own business – initially as a sole trader – and since then have continued to develop my portfolio of interesting and varied public art projects, that very often involve community engagement. I like to make work that is site-specific and responds directly to the brief presented. I also enjoy exploring the potential and the application of new or unfamiliar materials and processes to achieve the desired results. This involves working closely with skilled experts, eg. blacksmith Martin Lister in Stockport and Taylor Electronics (neon tube lighting manufacturers) in Manchester, to name just two.  Over the years, I have gained a strong reputation for producing durable pavement mosaic features and innovative architectural metalwork.

The list of past clients includes NORWEB plc; The Groundwork Trust – St. Helens, Wrexham, Wirral, Manchester, Merseyside; Friends of Anderton and Marbury Country Park, Cheshire; Community Forests NorthWest; Norton Priory Museum Trust; Bury Met Arts Centre; The Whitworth Gallery, Manchester; more schools than I could possibly ever count; libraries and museums across the North West region; arts centres and other independent organisations plus a great many local authorities.

Between commissions and other projects, I continue to produce personal work in the studio and try to improve my range of skills. In 2004, for example, I was awarded a place on the acclaimed David Reid bronze-casting course at the Royal Academy in London and later worked with Castle Fine Art Foundry in Oswestry to produce a body of cast bronze work for exhibition.

In 2007, I developed the first prototype Mosaic Stepping Stone Kit, based on my experience of helping complete beginners to produce mosaics for paving features as part of my commissioned work. The idea for the kits won me first prize at the Ideas Factory competition organised by Business North West. This ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event involved pitching the idea to a panel of business experts and the prize rewarded me with a free office for 12 months and access to expert business guidance to develop the retail of my mosaic products and services.

Since 2007, I have specialised in mosaic almost exclusively. I am a professional member of the BAMM British Association of Modern Mosaic and AIMC International Assocation of Contemporary Mosaicists.