I love that much of the smaller details are handprinted by eye, meaning each piece is truly unique
STORIES · 07.08.23
Craft | Mindful Living | Sustainability
Much like the produce in our farmshops, it is important to me that Daylesford’s homeware collections are also led by nature, with our designs and colours drawing inspiration from the flora and fauna that evolve throughout the farm over the course of the seasons. This new ‘Beehive’ table linen set is a beautiful case in point. We have 14 beehives at our family estate in Staffordshire that are now in their second year. They have been exceptionally productive this season, with over 400 jars of honey harvested already – and still one final harvest to go later this month.
Not only does this sunny collection celebrate these clever little pollinators and their wildflower meadow habitat, but it also unites my lifelong love for nature and bees with my reverence for traditional Indian crafts – making it all the more meaningful to me.
When I travelled to India last autumn I made a trip to Gitto’s studio just outside Jaipur where the pieces were being crafted. At 74 years old, Gitto is truly a legend in her field, having taught design for 22 years before setting up a hand-printing business with her brother in the early nineties.. She is one of the most experienced block print designers in Jaipur and someone I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with for many years, working on a number of textile projects for both Daylesford, Bamford and my pubs.
this collection unites my lifelong love for nature and bees with my reverence for traditional Indian crafts – making it all the more meaningful
I have shared a video on my Instagram page where you can see Gitto’s skilled team of artisans in action. First, the pattern is hand carved into fine-grained wooden blocks, using metal tools to carefully chip away the intricate design. These bocks are then used to print the pattern onto GOTS-certified organic cotton tablecloths and napkins. I love this cheerful yellow colour for summer, evoking memories of sunny afternoons outdoors on the farm. Although templates are used to ensure the positioning of the larger blocks is regular, I love that much of the smaller details are handprinted by eye, meaning each piece is truly unique.
You can see more of the crafting process here and find the collection is available to buy now, both online or in one of our Daylesford farmshops. I hope it might inspire you to create a seasonal table setting of your own – the perfect, considered backdrop to long summer lunches and suppers in the garden.
