Meet the Maker: Bell Hutley
Based in London, Bell Hutley is an artist and designer best known for her vividly colourful and whimsical illustrations inspired by children’s literature and folklore.
Most recently, Bell and Bertioli bring together their distinctive illustrations to create a tabletop collection in celebration of pollinators and their relationships with both common and unique plantlife. It is a collection aimed to inspire conversation around the table and a deeper connection to nature.
Tell us a little about your journey as an artist, where did this passion start?
Art has been my thing ever since I was a little girl. It was something I practised almost everyday. I was constantly doodling! Then as cliche as it sounds, when I was aged 17, I had a teacher that really did change my life. He opened my eyes up to the world of illustration and story-telling, and my style began to click into place. I became obsessed with children's literature and recreating these magical stories. I set the brand up as an extension of these ideas - of retelling stories through art, using homeware and other materials as my canvas.
What was it that first inspired you to delve into the world of tablescaping?
When I set up my brand, I started with the dining table as it’s a special place in the home where we all come together, share food, and connect. I loved the ritual of what hosting creates; the cooking, the decorating and then finally the enjoyment of everything coming together. I have always thought that the way you host is an extension of you. So I wanted to create designs that people identified themselves with. For example, nature lovers their table is a way of communicating this.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Pretty much anywhere and everywhere. My go to places are art exhibitions (the V&A is my number 1), films and the cinema, and reading my favourite coffee table books or children's books. Travel is vital for me, discovering new places, whether it's an hour down the road or on the other side of the world, getting out and exploring is key I find.
Our collection is a celebration of the relationship between plants and insects, why is this important to you?
The relationship between insects and plants is a beautiful one, there is a mutual affiliation between them. One can’t exist without the other. They each play a vital role of creating an ecosystem where they co-exist and belong to a rich pattern of life.
What do you do to connect to nature?
I was very lucky to have grown up spending a lot of time in the woods with my cousins and siblings, playing and exploring, so that's when I first really felt connected to nature. I live in London now and I can only go about two weeks there without having to escape to the countryside. Another way I love to connect is by studying a flower or plant before I draw it.
The creation of this collection has been truly collaborative, how has this journey affected your created process?
It was the first time I had merged my art with another artist, which was a wonderful process especially as we really had no idea how it was going to turn out. It has been such a pretty special journey of everyone putting their own pieces of brilliance into the mix. I think it’s pretty rare when things come together and the end result is a beautiful blend of our creative minds. It was the first time I really felt I was creating something as a collective effect. Art is a very personal, lonely process so it was wonderful sharing that journey with Caryn and Milly.
Can you tell us about the importance of sustainability in your production?
I don’t think anyone can set up a business these days without having sustainability deeply embedded in the business plan. My production target of making everything in the UK is at 80%. We have good relationships with our factories who are very transparent and are constantly working on finding more sustainable materials to work with. Climate change is very present, this year I want to focus on off-setting the brand's carbon footprint.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
This is such a tricky question but there have been some really special moments. I don’t think I can narrow it down to one thing really, I feel pretty lucky to be able to do what I love everyday, so in that respect I am pretty proud. But getting into Liberty and Fortnum & Mason were big moments that I will never forget.
When it comes to setting the table at home, what are your top tips?
The first thing I do is go around the garden with my mum and we pick flowers and shrubbery for the table.
Then we make some wild flower arrangements.and I tend to pick a colour theme depending on what’s in season to help create the right mood.
I love to layer my tables starting with the base table cloth and then adding everything onto it.
I try to keep it informal and relaxed.