A FAMILY AFFAIR

Frances Costelloe, London based artist and brand consultant delves into her inspirations and roots within her work with a gentle nod to the natural world. With an extensive background in designing for top brands her world is beautifully adorned by inks, watercolours and pastels.


What are your biggest creative inspirations?

My biggest creative inspiration is my Grandma - Suzy Boyt. She was a painter and studied at the Slade in London. She was so talented but wasn't recognised in her lifetime. My Grandma was a young mother and this combined with not having much money or self belief hindered her ability to create and show her work. All her homes and gardens she inhabited were beautiful. As a child, she taught me to crochet, sew, iron and was one of the few people who really encouraged me to paint and draw. We also both loved making things and used to create miniature things for my acid yellow Georgian dolls house such as a 1930 purple velvet sofa with silk teal cushion with micro tassels. I have a strong memory of her having made for my birthday mini pipe cleaner replicas of my entire family including me to live in this house. All with hand stitched faces and fashionable clothes for the late 90s. I miss her a lot but I feel she is still here, in me, helping guide me to live the best life for me.

Whose work/food are you particularly enjoying at the moment?

I am particularly enjoying the wine curated and imported by my friend Rebecca Perry for her company Emile Wines. The website illustrations of the bottles are drawn by me and we have now designed 4 labels for house wines under the brand. I knew nearly nothing about wine before we started working together nearly 4 years ago but slowly with her help I am learning what I like and how to describe it. It has become somewhat of a family affair with my sister Lucy Costelloe joining the ranks part time. Together, we three have a shared vision for the company and it is beyond a pleasure to work together.

Do you have any new projects you're excited about?

I recently qualified as a Garden Designer and have one design under my belt already. Learning more about plants and their care has become very important for me and I look forward to studying further this September. I have various illustration projects launching next year and aim to make more paintings and have some kind of informal exhibition.

What do you love most about Falcon in and around your home?

For me it’s a tie between function and beauty. I have two young kids so I need hard working pieces in my home. The red- orange of the bowl style plates are an instant win with them and can be used for any meal with their versatility. The fruit bowl being elevated in a subtle plaster tone keeps it that much further away from little hands looking for a pre dinner snack.

Are there any local companies you'd like to shout about?

Perkyns - the local coffee and wine and beer shop and bar is an essential part of the Tottenham community. Great for a treat of fresh bread.

Where do you usually eat, drink, and source ingredients in your local area?

I really do shop around. I’m the least loyal customer. I love the Turkish shops near me when I have time. So many fresh fruits and vegetables. I also go to Stoke Newington for weekly kids swimming so stock up on bread for the freezer from Spence. Otherwise it’s Lidl, Aldi and Ocado Zoom - a new almost guilty pleasure. I love M&S and there are none near me.

 



YOU MAY LIKE

White with Blue Rim Serving Dish Set
€66,00

Marie Rose Fruit Bowl
€78,00

White with Blue Rim Deep Plates
€64,00


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