Artist Inspired Design

My first business career was in the City of London in the 1980's.  When I left to have children, I re-trained as an artist - my first creative career!  In recent times, however, I have become increasingly interested in furniture painting and restoration.  Specifically, in saving vintage wooden furniture - which can be re-designed for a new life and purpose - from landfill.  I believe it makes ecological sense to re-use, re-purpose and re-design, particularly as vintage furniture has been made by skilled craftsmen and is built to last for several lifetimes!  I have enjoyed learning the new and varied skills required to restore all types of furniture, with function being as important to me as creating beautiful pieces.  My training as a painter is a great bonus as my specialism is free hand painting - from Chinese dragons to Japanese Geisha and from Koi carp in lavish gold leaf to Art Deco designs.  All painted by hand on furniture that is meticulously prepared and finished.

A rigorous approach to process has always been fundamental to my work.  Whereas previously my ground was canvas, now it is wood.  The underlying quality of the furniture itself, thorough preparation of the surface to be painted and the use of premium products is key to a durable and lasting outcome.  Each of my pieces is dismantled, labelled, repaired, sanded, primed and undercoated.  Two topcoats, the finished design and two coats of varnish complete the process.  While I aim for beauty and although most of the furniture is antique or vintage, functionality is key - drawers run smoothly, cupboard doors close properly and everything works as it should.  While I also use decoupage and wallpaper, the majority of my furniture is hand painted using my own designs, therefore making each piece unique.

I source distinctive, unusual furniture which inspires my creative vision.  Often vintage, almost always made of quality solid wood and mostly requiring some restoration. I love vintage cocktail bars in particular and look out for popular brands, especially Turnidge of London and Beautility.  I have recently  become very interested in Mid-Century Modern  furniture, particularly the Stag Minstrel range designed in the late 1950s - so sleek and timeless and made of solid wood - beautiful! Artistic inspiration comes from many sources - the piece itself often dictates the style of  decoration I decide on.  I am interested in Scandinavian / Gustavian colours and styles as well as being heavily influenced by Venetian harlequin patterns and designs, whether in black and gold, black and white or multicoloured.  Recently, I have become fascinated by Chinoiserie and am working towards creating a contemporary style suitable for modern interiors.  Although each piece is re-imagined, I save as many of the original features as possible