When you were little what did you dream of being?
Well, I grew up in Sussex surrounded by woods and farmland. I was really into natural history – bird-watching (and collecting birds eggs, now illegal!), fishing and so on. I had a pet red squirrel that had a nasty biting habit. So I guess I dreamed of spending my life in that sort of pastoral idyll. In my late teens I became interested in old books – Arthur Rackham-type illustrated Victorian ones, and thought I might become a book-dealer.
What motivates you?
Currently, getting through this economic tsunami and coming out the other side.
If you had a spare five minutes what would you do?
Have a cup of coffee – actually I have lots of spare five minutes, hence drink too much coffee.
How has the recession affected your approach to design?
It has made the selection process far more rigorous. There’s still a healthy market out there for outstanding designs, but not for anything mediocre. The challenge is making the right choices.
Is there anyone you’re watching?
There’s a brilliant young painter called Jane Ward from whom we’ve bought a couple of pictures; and a glassware designer called Charlotte Sale. Both are graduates of the Royal College and are names to watch, and collect.
What are you working on?
A new showroom in Boston
A new showroom in Paris
Improving my golf handicap and my second serve!
What are your current favourite materials/looks/moods?
We’re bringing out a lot of silks at the moment, both plain and embroidered. I personally like rooms with quietish backgrounds but with strong flashes of jewel colours on curtains and cushions. That complements my taste in pictures – colourful and graphic – particularly 60’s Pop such as Allen Jones and Peter Blake.
What are you tired of in the world of design?
I’m pretty eclectic in my taste so most things interest me in one way or another.
How has the internet affected your business?
Hugely and increasingly so. We’ve made a big investment in our website and its now paying off.
Who is your hero?
Richard Dawkins (I hope my wife won’t see this – he’s a pet hate of hers!)
Favourite dish?
Fegato alla Salvia from La Familgia. I don’t get it at home.
