Gillian Arnold

Originally from Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, Gillian Arnold is an artist and surface pattern designer. She works with pressed cuttings of British wildflowers, helping her to compose ethereal landscapes and dramatic, colour-infused patterns. All of Gillian’s designs, including homewares and jewellery, are printed in her studio in County Durham and she is proud to say her products are ‘Made in Britain’. Alongside Gillian’s studio, she and husband Tim have set up a small factory which enables all their production to be kept in-house, and as the business grows to employ local people rather than outsource. This holistic approach stems from Gillian and Tim’s passion for developing new products and playing their part in the British design industry. How it all began June 2011, Gillian and Tim went for dinner on London’s South Bank, sitting outside on a beautiful evening. During the meal Tim, usually a man of few words, said to Gillian: “I married an artist – when are you going to start doing your own work?” Gillian, usually someone who is rarely silent, could not provide a response. For the past fourteen years, she had worked as a resident artist, leading others in workshops and community projects, a highly creative platform which she enjoyed immensely. However, it didn’t allow Gillian to express herself fully as an artist in her own right. Tim had noticed this frustration; therefore his question was a challenge, a call to action. At that point, the Gillian Arnold brand was born and the hard work started. The next couple of weeks saw a six month pregnant Gillian sit on her studio floor, creating new canvases, ceramics and jewelry, which later that month she began to sell at Greenwich Market, where she soon became a regular trader. As trade grew, they started to invest in the business with new equipment being bought in to develop new products and designs. Bigger premises followed, as did trade shows and wholesale opportunities across the UK. Eventually, Tim quit his job as a theatre sound engineer in London’s West End so he could work full time with Gillian. 2013 saw the arrival of a son, Callum, as well as a move north to County Durham, where in late 2014 they were also joined by their second daughter, Iona. Gillian and Tim are excited to see their business continue to grow, although have decided not to have any more babies!