I place great importance in the way my products are made. Since my first art school 'manifesto' in 2012 I have talked passionately about the craft behind the print and felt strongly that creating new items for the world should be done so consciously. Fast forward to 2025 and the impact of design on its surroundings has only become more pertinent. Production effects both people and place but it can also help to keep history alive. So I wanted to write a bit more about this and dive into how my designs are produced and why it matters. 

WHY PRINT METHODS MATTER

The two most significant inspirations in my work are nature and the history of decorative design. So it felt important to honour these in the way my prints are produced. I have worked with many different printers over my career in order to land on the final 'recipe' that matches my values as well as my aesthetic. I now work closely with some of the oldest artisanal print works in England. They draw form generations of craft expertise, yet work hard to pioneer sustainable printing of fabric and wallpapers for today. This means plastic free, eco inks and low water use. Their approach, combined with my exclusive use of purely natural, biodegradable papers and cloth means I can feel confident I am printing in the most sustainable way I can be - whilst supporting British craft heritage at the same time.

THE BEAUTY OF PURE LINEN

As many people now understand, processing fabrics such as cotton can waste vast amounts of water. The beauty of pure linen is that its made from is made from Flax, which grows organically in Europe and requires only sunshine and rainwater - it even improves the soil around it. As a fabric with no manmade fibres it is biodegradable too.

WHAT IS IN THE PAST

The British Isles were once a patchwork of mills and pioneering printworks. Not to mention many other crafts besides. Almost every rural town has a story entwined with craft. The world has changed dramatically over the two centuries since the industrial revolution. One thing is certain; the technology and speed of everything have been transformative. But with speed does not always come care and attention. Looking back at decorative design form the past is to take a lesson in slowing down; placing value on beauty and detail before mass manufacture. There is such a rich culture of artistic history in Britain and it is at risk of being lost to future generations if we do not keep those stories alive. This is why I will always be a 'made in England' designer and I take great joy in learning from the industry we have here; where it has come from and where it can go.

MADE TO ORDER

I produce all larger orders on a ‘made to order’ basis which dramatically cuts out waste and means I only make the items that are in demand. Because my work is both designed and made in England, I can still keep lead times low and production seldom takes more than one month.

If you are interested to find out more about any of the points covered here, do get in touch. I love to talk about why printing matters so much and how more designers can strive to stay sustainable.