Roo Abrook: Queen of Collecting

Roo Abrook is somewhat of a magpie. The British artist loves nothing more than to collect all manner of papery things – vintage and antique books (her favourite), sheet music, and lots of other objects that are in time, inspire her signature natural world collages and prints. We caught up with Roo to find out how she came to doing what she does – read on for more… 

When and why did you decide to be an artist?

I started out with a foundation course at art college, with no particular plans, which led to a degree in fine art printmaking. I then went on to run a fashion company and then work as a graphic designer. I guess I love designing in many different areas.

What are you main creative influences?

All sorts of things; from vintage finds, to Peter Blake, to retro TV shows and annuals, to museum pieces and exhibitions. Everything I grew up with and have seen since all kinda jumbled up and somehow pulled out and pulled together.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

At the moment I am inspired by antique books and nature.

Who is your favourite designer?  What aspect of their work do you most admire?

I don't really have a favourite – there are so many clever people!

What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?

Designing and making.

Where are you most creative?

At home, probably when I'm doing something quite ordinary around the house.

 

What is your studio like? 
A jumble of book, books and more books combined with vintage finds.

How do you describe your style? 
Eclectic.

What are you currently working on?
New designs for next year and a year-long project with Anglepoise lamps called Creating Balance.

What advice do you have for other designers starting out?
Keep at it!

How do you achieve a work/life balance?
I'm really strict... family comes first, though I suppose I'm still working in a way a lot of the time; ideas are always bubbling away.

What are you other passions?  
Music. I absolutely love it, and reading books.

What is your favourite food?
Anyone else's cooking… not mine!

What is your greatest weakness?
Trying to do too much in too little time… my time management is terrible.

Trousers or skirts? 
Black skinnies – they’re so comfy and practical and go with everything.

A selection of Roo Abrook's prints are now available online from £9.00 each. 

Meet Sara Newman, our newest Roost recruit

Let us introduce to you Sara Newman; our latest designer here at Roost Living. We've been working with Sara to bring you a special item designed and made exclusively for Roost Living. We caught up with her to ask her all about where she finds inspiration, her workspace, and how she finds that all important work versus life balance. Here’s what she had to say...

When and why did you decide to be a designer?

My background is Interior Design, hotels in particular. That began back in the mid 90s. Fast forward to 2008 and, as our family grew, I put my career to one side. Soon after, my innate need to craft inventive gifts has grown into a creative business; Sara Newman Design.

What are you main creative influences?

My grandmothers and great aunt were creative, my uncle is an artist and a lot of my friends are creators and thinkers. Life influences me.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

In the artwork and stories of graphic novels, tattoo art and model villages.

What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?

Seeing someone else’s eyes light up when they click with what I’m doing.

Where are you most creative?

In my head! I spend a lot of time dreaming and planning.

What's your workspace like?

I work from home, at a huge carbon fibre and aluminium table that was designed and built by a friend.

How do you describe your style?

Crisp, intricate, playful.

What are you currently working on?

Some glassware for the Christmas Arcade at Somerset House. It’s a pop-up shop run by Handmade In Britain in conjunction with Somerset House.

When you first started out, what was the best advice you received?

Nothing in particular, I’ve just always been around people who are not afraid to create.

What advice do you have for other designers starting out?

Believe in what you do or you cannot expect anyone else to.

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

I’m still searching for it!

What are you other passions?

Dancing I guess, but it’s a living room dance floor these days.

What is your favourite food?

It’s a close call between chocolate mousse and pavlova – with raspberries and maybe some thick cream. 

What is your greatest weakness?

My children.

Orchid Glass now available online

A chat with Thornback and Peel

Deck chairs, hankies, wallpaper, and cushions - there's almost nothing that Juliet Thornback and Delia Peel aren't itching to adorn with a curious, quirky print. 

Since 2007 they've been doing exactly that and under the name of Thornback & Peel they've quickly become known for their sketch-like motifs and unexpected take on home furnishings. We sat down with the ladies for a cup of tea and a chit-chat about everything from how they got started to their favourite food.

How did Thornback and Peel come to be?

We [Juliet Thornback and Delia Peel] met in 2004 and recognised a mutual taste for the surreal that bordered on grotesque. Our first collaboration was a collection of evening bags printed with brains, pulled teeth, and beetles. Delia had studied textiles at Goldsmiths and was working as a set designer at the Royal Court; Juliet was working as a florist. In 2006 we joined Cockpit Arts and a year later we established Thornback & Peel – a brand focusing on products for the home and inevitably reining in the grotesque a little.

Where do you find inspiration?

From everything and anything! Classically though it would be: Victoriana, Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management, Mr. McGregor’s garden, our own gardens, and 17th century microscope imagery.

Who is your favourite designer and what aspect of their work do you most admire?

Juliet: Eric Ravilious; the designer of my coronation mug. He is a ceramicist, artist and textile designer and did all the designs for Wedgwood. My husband gave it to me and it is more of an ornament; I can’t bear to use it in case something happens to it.

Delia: At the moment, the late designer, illustrator and commentator Olle Eksell.

What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?

Lifting up the screen and seeing the first print of a new design.

Where are you most creative?

All of our designs are collaborative so we start of the creative process by clearing our desks and making a cup of tea. We are looking forward to moving our office into the new shop on Rugby Street where we’ll have room to spread out.

What is your workspace like?

It is no longer chaos thanks to our amazing studio manager Emma – now there is a place for everything. We’ve been in this studio within Cockpit [Arts] for three years now, and we feel pretty established in the space – it has worked as an incubator for us; both creatively and commercially,

How do you describe your style?

A celebration of the traditional quirkiness of British humour and design.

What are you currently working on?

We’re just beginning to sample some beautiful rabbit coasters and placemats, and we now sell fabric and wallpaper by the metre, which is an exciting addition to our product range. We’re also in the design process for the opening of our shop in Rugby St (off Lamb’s Conduit St).

What was the best advice you received when you first started out?

Try to stick to your plan.

What advice do you have for other designers starting out?

Get as much work experience as you can afford to do.

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

Er, it’s a juggle, but there is a structure under the chaos…somewhere.

What are you other passions?

Our families.

What is your favourite food?

Juliet:  fish and chips.

Delia:  roast chicken.

What is your greatest weakness?

Delia:  impatience.

Juliet:  hesitation.

Thornback & Peel's Artichoke Apron, Tea Towel and Hankies are available Exclusively at Roost Living.