Barbara Sansoni

Kala Suri Barbara Sansoni (22 April 1928 – 23 April 2022) was a Sri Lankan designer, artist, colourist, entrepreneur, and writer. She was known for her works in architecture, textile designs, and handwoven panels. She founded the Barefoot textile company, a company that is highly acclaimed for its handloom fabric. She also served as the chairperson and chief designer of Barefoot Pvt. Ltd for several years. Sansoni was said to have "redefined the concept of colour in Sri Lanka". She empowered women weavers and transformed the national cottage industry. Personal life She married Ceylonese Proctor and Notary Public, Lieutenant in the Ceylon Royal Navy Reserve, Extra Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General Hildon Sansoni. She gave birth to two sons; Dominic and Simon. Her first spouse Hildon died in 1979 and a year later, she engaged in her second marriage in 1980 to her longtime friend Ronald Lewcock. Ronald befriended Barbara when Ronald first met her during his sabbatical from 1968 to 1969 to explore the European Colonial Architecture in Asia. Ronald had contacted Barbara for his research work and exploration regarding the European Colonial Architecture in Asia after getting to know about Barbara's drawings being featured in the Architectural Review. Barbara and Ronald together bought a house in Cambridge in 1972 for Ronald himself and for Barbara's two sons to stay as both sons had been sent to England in the early 1970s for their educational purposes. Ronald was asked to be the guardian for Barbara's sons until they had completed their education in England.