INSPIRING WOMAN SERIES - ELLEN MERCHANT
On a snowy December morning we visited Ellen in her studio in London. From the moment we stepped foot in the colour and print was oozing from every corner. We knew we were in for a lovely afternoon.
We have been totally inspired by Ellens love for print and her use of colour. Her designs have quickly become iconic and enjoyed the world over. She’s leading the colourful way for made and printed in Britain. Making a name for herself in the design world very quickly. We were honoured to meet with her and have her featured for our Inspiring Woman series.
Find Ellen on Instagram
Find Ellens work and products here.
Photography by Imogen Rosemary.
Ellen wears The Harriet Blouse in Cumin and our Florence Dress
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a decorative artist and textile designer. I work from my studio in West London, where I create original printed papers and fabrics using a range of traditional printmaking techniques including hand block print and silk screen printing.
What made you fall in love with print design?
I've always loved drawing and been captivated by patterns and anything decorative. I love the intricacy of pattern design, planning colourways and working out repeats. Printmaking was a revelation when I realised I could develop my drawings into something entirely new and experiment with so many different fun processes.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would just hope that I am happily working on new collections and perhaps some exciting collaborations that challenge me to learn new skills and come up with new ideas! I love to see my work used in people's projects so it would be wonderful to see all the places my designs have ended up after 5 years.
I would just hope that I am happily working on new collections and perhaps some exciting collaborations that challenge me to learn new skills and come up with new ideas! I love to see my work used in people's projects so it would be wonderful to see all the places my designs have ended up after 5 years.
Who or what are you inspired by?
I am hugely inspired by Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and C.F.A Voysey, Josef Frank is also a big inspiration to me as I love his bold organic style and use of bright colour.
I collect all sorts of textiles and papers wherever I go and always have quite an eclectic mix of influences when designing; from retro advertising and Art Deco tiles to Suzani embroideries and Indian woodblocks.
I am hugely inspired by Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and C.F.A Voysey, Josef Frank is also a big inspiration to me as I love his bold organic style and use of bright colour.
I collect all sorts of textiles and papers wherever I go and always have quite an eclectic mix of influences when designing; from retro advertising and Art Deco tiles to Suzani embroideries and Indian woodblocks.
What has been a career highlight so far ?
Getting my own studio last year felt like a big moment! It was more of an old garage when I took it on and it has been labour of love but I have turned it into a lovely creative place to be. I hope to invite people into the space in the future and use it to showcase my work and design processes.
