Elaine
Gallery

My career in interior textiles began when I left college in 1987. A single mum of a three year old, I started work as a colourist and designer with Crowson Fabrics, where I remained until 1992. While there, I was involved in the colouration and bulk production of all ranges produced, making regular trips to print mills and international trade fairs, and liaising with international design houses.

In 1992, I left for New York, where I worked as colourist for a wonderful female Australian entrepreneur whose motto was “There’s no such word as can’t… A horse called Give Up never won a race”. I was subsequently made Studio Manager, responsible for both colouring and design studios, working with a team of designers, colourists and technicians. During my time in New York, I visited and printed at fabric and wall covering mills in the States, Turkey, Canada, and back in England. I also worked alongside Revman Industries, producing bedding ranges.

In 1996, I returned to England and embarked upon a freelance career, colouring, designing and styling, from my base in Leicester City Centre.

I joined Walker Greenbank in 2007 as a colourist, overseeing all engraving and bulk production for the Harlequin brand, as well as art directing and styling a number of wallpaper, fabric and bedding ranges.

In 2011, I was appointed Creative Brand Manager at the inception of Harlequin’s new brand ‘Scion Fabrics’, and was instrumental in developing the brand direction through the design, colouration and styling process.


Scion was a huge success, but I wanted to work more freely, so in 2013 I reverted to freelance status. I was able to continue working alongside a number of clients – Walker Greenbank included – as well as collaborate with Rich at Chairs and Skyscrapers.

Since then, my experience and skill set has allowed me to work with clients across all stages of design development and interior styling – from buying designs, overseeing separations, developing and presenting colour ideas (using mini screens at my wet studio, or AVA/INEDIT colour systems), through to bulk production, location sourcing, tear sheets, styling and art direction, and instructing set build and decoration. I also have experience working on exhibition stand conception and overseeing the build.

Clients:

  • Alpha Designs Upholstery
  • Axminster Rugs
  • Bedeck
  • Blinds2Go
  • Harlequin
  • Morris & Co
  • John Lewis
  • Sanderson
  • Scion
  • Starbucks
  • The Design Archives
  • Utopia
  • Zoffany

The opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of companies and work alongside some great professionals keeps my days interesting. My work is often challenging, but that’s what I love about it… and like my old boss said, a horse called Give Up…

You can see examples of my work on the gallery page.

In my spare time I work with Rich on Chairs and Skyscrapers. There is nothing we like more than setting off at 5 am for an antique fair, to rummage for props for a shoot or for Frog and Lock hire… What’s not to like?!