Charlotte Farmer's distinctive designs have been right at home in our homewares department for several years now, so we thought it was high time to catch up with the lovely lady behind our favourite mugs and tea-towels, to talk peas, pyjamas, screen-printing and being the boss.
Describe your typical working day?
I try and get up early and go running or swimming, just to make sure I leave the house at some point! Then I get back make coffee and draw things. I usually spend a bit of time removing my cat from my laptop as it's one of her favourite places to sleep. The alternative version of my day is getting up early to go to the studio in Bristol where I do my screen printing.
When and where are you most productive?
It's when I'm screen printing as there are not so many distractions. I only stop for coffee.
Who or what couldn't you live without?
Work wise, it's carbon paper and 0.3 pencils, Spike print studio in Bristol plus constant noise from the radio or music. I'm definitely not someone who can work in silence. Currently, I can't stop listening to the new Warpaint album.
What do you like most about what you do?
I like that every day is a bit different and that I'm the boss!
Who or what inspires you?
Music and thinking about the noises that things make (I know that sounds a bit weird but I was thinking about this earlier and I realised it's the starting point for so much of my work.) I also love the RCA etchings of Davis Hockney and the surface quality of a Cy Twombly painting…I also spend too much time looking at Pinterest.
Tell us something we're unlikely to know about Charlotte Farmer.
I don't like peas and I think that's why I can't use the colour green!
Which project, commission or achievement are you most proud of?
I loved doing my MA at Saint Martins and my favourite commission is some maps I did for Elle magazine last year. My favourite screen print I've ever made is one called Bananas, full of exotic animals.
What has been the most important lesson learnt?
Work hard. Try and leave the house at least once during the day and don't stay in your pyjamas (those two go hand in hand really - or you'll get funny looks from passers by).
What would you like to do in the future?
I'd like to do some illustrations for packaging and have an assistant to keep me organised.
Which 'naughty but nice' teatime treat would we find at Charlotte Farmer HQ?
I love dark chocolate digestives, and I have to admit to being a dunker. Also, if I'm pushing the biscuit boat out, then it's got to be chocolate covered gingers.
And finally, your top three Bath must see/dos.
1. Coffee at Colonna & Smalls - made by the award-winning barista
2. A browse in Mr B's book emporium
3. A boat ride along the canal - but only when it's sunny