For 2015 Vanessa Arbuthnott, well known for her country style, is delighted to launch two diverse but extremely complementary collections, one printed and the other woven. The appropriately named 'Birds and Beasts' and 'Harris Tweed' have been made all the more special by the invaluable input of Vanessa's two daughters, Rose and Flora.

Quirky, light-hearted and fun, 'BIRDS AND BEASTS' is an enchanting printed collection comprising two brand new designs, plus three re-coloured co-ordinates, that together create an engaging and cohesive range. The charming prints have been drawn by Vanessa's daughters: channeling their individual style and flair, they combine a simplistic touch with a contemporary appeal.

Printed in the UK on a 100% Linen, 'Birds and Beasts' embraces Vanessa's signature colour palette of Charcoal, Limestone, Pigeon, Saffron, Smoke and Teal and introduces some beautiful new colours: Damask, Dormouse, Kale, Mallow, Terracotta and Tomato. The collection is suitable for curtains, blinds, cushions and upholstery, and would work equally effectively in both formal and informal, up-and down-stairs rooms.

'WILD & FREE' is a whimsical depiction of magical wild animals designed by Vanessa's daughter, Rose Arbuthnott, a fine artist and graduate of Edinburgh School of Art and the Royal Drawing School. Rose started designing 'Wild and Free' whilst on a course at the British Museum. She elaborates on how the motifs came about: “I walked around the corner to a wonderful art shop called Cornelissen's, bought a set of giant colouring pencils and started drawing images of animals in the museum. I drew the bull from a 4th Century BC Etruscan vase and the more magical creatures from ancient cave art on some shamanic cards. I feasted on 7th Century BC Assyrian relief carvings of deer hunts and then went on to draw African inspired acacia trees. These designs were eventually combined together and this was the birth of 'Wild and Free!'”

'BIRD HOP' depicts the enchantingly naïve outline of a deliciously plump bird. It was conceived by Vanessa's designer daughter, Flora Arbuthnott, who graduated from Glasgow School of Art and 'Year Here' In London. As Flora explains: “I love to draw and make paper cut-outs of imaginary birds and animals. This bird image was originally a stencil, as a demonstration for a screen-printing class I was teaching. Using a scalpel I cut straight into the paper without a pencil drawing first, to create these crisp lines. I like to play with proportion and shape, creating stylised forms of familiar animals. I hope to bring humour and a sense of delight into my work. “

'HARRIS TWEEDS'

There is a 1992 law that states authentic Harris Tweeds must be made from pure virgin wool that has been dyed and spun on the islands, and hand-woven at the home of the weaver in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It was on a journey around the west coast of Scotland in her camper van, painting land and sea-scapes, that Rose Arbuthnott and her friend Jess took the long road to Ullapool, with a view to reaching a far flung book festival in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, and to bring back some Harris Tweed samples for Vanessa. Rose continues: “We took the early ferry, surrounded by beautiful light reflecting off the sea, and with the entire bay bathed in dappled shade. Our hunt for Harris Tweed took us on a meandering journey around the mountainous Isle of Harris, its tiny bays scattered with little houses set against a backdrop of sheep-covered hillocks.” 

They visited the home looms, little sheds next to the houses, from which the phrase 'home spun' originates, to choose samples of tweeds in breathtaking hues so redolent of the islands: peat, bracken, sea, sky, storm and heather.

Vanessa was thrilled by Rose's finds and knew straight away that these quintessentially Scottish weaves would make a powerful collection, strong in its own right but also the perfect foil to the witty 'Birds and Beasts' motifs. She is thrilled to be supporting such a deep-rooted tradition: “Hopefully it will help the Harris Tweed industry to flourish and ensure that the age-old skill of weaving is passed down to the young, enabling them to stay on the islands and make a living there.”

Vanessa's latest collections will be available from May at her new flagship store in Cirencester, online via www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk, and through a network of stockists nationally and internationally.

For further press information please contact Angela Fawcett PR: