We recently discovered the work of Yorkshire artist and illustrator, Eleanor Tomlinson, who developed her passion wildlife and the countryside into this beautiful range of cards, stationery, limited edition prints and homeware.
Says Eleanor, who will exhibit at the British Craft Trade Fair for the first time in April: “Taking great pride in creating every original piece and design, my distinctive style using ink and watercolour combines traditional, well-loved subjects with a contemporary illustrative twist. I have been fortunate to work with leading British manufacturers and suppliers, with the majority of my products being proudly designed, printed and manufactured all in Yorkshire”.
“I’m a traditional artist and illustrator. Most of my work is created in ink and watercolour, planned out in pencil, then drawn and detailed in with ink before adding colour with my watercolours and finishing with my signature watercolour splatters. All before the final signature. My usual stockists are small independent galleries and gift shops.
“Some of my earliest memories, from when I was very young, of being inspired by our local wildlife in East Yorkshire was waking up to find a family of four squirrels who had taken lodgings in our attic. It was most amusing seeing them shoot up the chimney’s to hide as you entered various rooms around the house. Therefore, it has always been hard not to be influenced and inspired by the wildlife, that has very literally been, on our doorstep”.
For BCTF 2019, taking place from April 7-9 at the Yorkshire Event Centre, Eleanor will present new fabric designs and a homeware kitchen range, 2020 sample calendars and new designs across prints, cards, mugs and other items. At the show she hopes to: “Steadily grow our number of independent stockists and gain exposure of our brand and distinctive style and design”.
Asked what she thinks are the hallmarks of great British design, Eleanor says: “Unique, distinctive style that is lovingly designed and made using only the best local and UK manufacturered.”
