About Us

Discover Surface Art Studio by Moyra Jones—an Australian textile brand creating original fabrics, handmade clothing, and ethical homewares. Designed in Sydney, made to last.

Meet Moyra Jones

I’m Moyra Jones, founder of Surface Art Studio. My journey began in Scotland, where I studied textile design before moving to Sydney in the 1990s. I worked with artist Ken Done, translating his iconic Australian imagery into textiles for fashion and accessories.

In 2000, I launched Surface Art—a creative studio dedicated to original fabric design, hand-printing, and small-batch production. What started as a market stall selling handmade cushions and fabric by the metre has grown into a Australian brand known for bold prints, timeless clothing, and sustainable values.

.Design Philosophy 

Inspired by Nature, Art, and Pattern Surface Art fabrics draw inspiration from the natural world and design movements like mid-century abstraction, Scandinavian minimalism, orientalism, 1950s interiors, and 1970s graphics. Each print carries the Surface Art signature—whether it’s a daring scale, clever repeat, or unique colourway.

We design with longevity in mind—creating textiles and garments that feel fresh, expressive, and wearable year after year.

From Fabric to Fashion 

Handmade Clothing in Original Prints Customer feedback at local design markets helped shape the evolution of Surface Art. People loved our fabrics—but they wanted to wear them. So I began making simple A-line skirts and tunic dresses that showcased the prints. These easy-to-wear styles quickly became bestsellers.

As demand grew, I began outsourcing some production to trusted local makers, while staying hands-on with design and quality control.

Essaye Clothing Label 

Essaye: Timeless Australian-Made Fashion Essaye is our dedicated clothing label—named after the initials of Surface Art. It’s not about trends; it’s about well-made, versatile clothing in carefully chosen fabrics, designed to last.

We release a couple of Essaye collections each year, featuring new prints and styles alongside perennial favourites like the Mikko print. Our Mikko A-line skirts and Mikko tops are part of our all-year-round range, refreshed regularly with new colourways.

To expand our fabric options, we now offer digitally printed textiles, working with a small, ethically run business in China that specialises in short runs and meets strict labour and safety standards. About 90% of our products are still made locally within 5km of our Inner West Sydney studio.

Theadora Jones Limited Edition 

Limited-Edition Garments in Curated Fabrics Theadora Jones is a small offshoot label named in honour of my mother, Theadora, who inspired my love of sewing. It began when studio visitors admired the dresses I made from other designers’ fabrics and asked where they could buy them.

Now, Theadora Jones offers limited-edition dresses, skirts, home wares, and fabric by the metre—made from small-batch textiles I personally select. Once a fabric is gone, it’s gone—making each piece truly unique.

Visit Our Studio 

Shop, Try On, and Connect with the Maker

184 Norton Street, Leichhardt, Sydney

 Open Fridays & Saturdays, 10am–4pm

Come browse our latest collections, try on styles, and explore our range of Australian-made clothing, homewares, and fabric by the metre. The studio shop is also where I gather feedback, meet customers, and share the story behind each design.

Stay Connected

Whether you're a home sewist, a lover of bold prints, or someone seeking timeless, ethical fashion—Surface Art Studio is here to inspire. Explore our collections, visit the studio, or shop online.

Looking back through the lens ........