Empress Matilda Design Tote Bag

Part of our new Characters of the Quarter range. This handy tote bag features a design inspired by Empress Matilda, by local artist Martina Hildebrandt.  

This new exciting range showcases exclusive designs by local artists, and highlights the hidden history and lesser-known famous faces of Reading's Abbey Quarter.

Empress Matilda was the daughter of Henry I, who founded Reading Abbey. She was called "Empress" because as a child she was married to Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor. 

"Over the past few years, I have been using traditional linocut techniques and combining them with collage and collagraph printing. I try to create thought-provoking images that have a story behind them but leave room for the viewer to create their own thoughts."

 - About Martina Hildebrandt (www.hi-creative.co.uk)