Alison Hughes is still preparing their portfolio
Biog
I grew up in central London. My Dad worked for University College London, as part of the maintenance staff and so we lived in a flat on the top floor of the school of Architecture. I explain this because when you say you live in a flat, (these days it would be an ‘apartment’), people assume it to be a block of flats, in a street of flats, filled with families and noise and life, but this was somewhat quieter. As there was no technology then, I read a lot of books. We were frequent visitors to the local Library, which started in King’s Cross and then moved up to Euston, funnily enough, next door to what is now the enormous British Library. Christmas and Birthdays brought book tokens and so the chance to buy something to keep. The Moomins, Paddington Bear, Spike Milligan’s books, Swallows and Amazons and many more - I still have the rather fragile paperback copies now. Obviously, I should have been a writer, but I liked making things too and that’s where I’ve ended up, but it’s nice to incorporate some of these memories.
I only really liked the art lessons at school and so went on to complete a Foundation Course at Middlesex Polytechnic (as it was then), followed by a BA Crafts at Crewe and Alsager College (which is now part of Manchester Metropolitan University). As you may guess, this was some time ago and after spending my time in various arty and non-arty roles, a move to the Isle of Wight was the inspiration I needed to start my own business and Dr Bean’s Bags was born. I use natural fabrics, such as canvas, ticking and jute rope, which reflect the Classic Yachting heritage of Cowes - an eyelet and shackle add to the sailing theme. My bags are made with a sense of fun and feature recognised phrases, poems, song lyrics and most popular of all – a ‘Dr Bean’ version of the Shipping Forecast’. The words are combined with simple stitched detail and appliqué and linings in jolly colours.
Why Dr Bean’s Bags? Well, I am also the co-owner of a family coffee business, called Dr Bean’s Flying Coffee Machine, but that’s another story.
60 second interview
Q: What is your favourite colour?A: BlueQ: Who first inspired you to start making/ creating and what words of advice did they give you?A: We used to do a lot of sewing and making at primary school (or maybe that's all I can remember doing!)Q: Where and when do you most like to work?A: In my shed, in the garden on a sunny day.Q: Which season of the year most inspires you?A: SpringQ: What can't you work without?A: Radio 4 and plenty of tea.Q: Whose work do you most admire?A: The paintings of Elaine Pamphilon.Q: What is your favourite piece of fiction and why?A: Too numerous to select.Q: What do you do to relax?A: I go for a run along the seafront.Q: Describe your artistic style in 3 words. A: Neat, Coastal, Un-fussy.
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