TANYA Noon, from Cowling, was probably one of the most talented soft furnishing makers of her generation, although very few people knew anything about her.

Tanya, who has died aged 58 following a short illness, was quite happy with that arrangement.

Born on May 7 1966 to Ronald and Margaret Noon, the family moved from Cross Hills to Cowling when Tanya was six years old.

She attended Cowling Primary School and South Craven School, before obtaining a place at the London College of Furniture when she was 16 years old.

After four years training as a furniture restorer, she returned to the family home where she set up her own workshop carrying out furniture restoration, French polishing, caning and rush seating.

While working with Mr and Mrs McAlpine on their restoration of Stone Gappe Hall in Lothersdale, Tanya was asked by the couple if she could also make some curtains for the house. Although outside her training, she loved to recount how she thought: ‘How hard can it be?’, before buying some text books and eventually making all the curtains and soft furnishings for the entire property.

Other instructions followed for country houses around the county, leading on to instructions for curtains as far afield as London, the Isle of Wight and Wales.

Tanya was then introduced to interior designers Percy Bass Ltd of South Kensington where she became one of the company’s ‘go-to’ artisans for the firm's  international clientele.

Despite the demanding nature of some of Percy Bass’s clients, Tanya’s work, creating bespoke and personalised pieces, was never received with anything other than delight and repeat orders.

Jane Morris, the owner of the firm paid tribute to Tanya, saying, ‘Tanya was the best … A little sunshine has gone out of everyone’s life’.

Tanya died peacefully on June 26 at Manorlands Hospice. She leaves behind her mother, and brother, Rodney Noon.

Her funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 23 at 11.40am at Skipton Crematorium. Donations will be taken in her memory for Manorlands Hospice at the service, or to care of Emmott and Bradley Funeral Service, Cross Hills. Visit: www.emmottandbradley.co.uk