For more information on Country Living Events for 2024, please contact Ellie Craig, Artisan Growth Manager at [email protected]
Kate of Kensington
Kate of Kensington are creators of rustic British homeware. Their core product is a range of marble platters which can be used as cheeseboards, trivets, chopping boards, or just as a beautiful display piece in the home.
We recently caught up with Laura Sutherland to find out more about the brand. Read the interview below to discover more..
![CC Fox and Rabbit Large [Lifestyle]](https://www.countrylivingfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CC-Fox-and-Rabbit-Large-Lifestyle.jpg "CC Fox and Rabbit Large [Lifestyle]")
![Christmas Post - Coaster [Lifestyle]](https://www.countrylivingfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Christmas-Post-Coaster-Lifestyle.jpg "Christmas Post – Coaster [Lifestyle]")
How did it all start?
From a cosy London apartment Kate began making the foundations of what we have all come to know and love as the brand, Kate of Kensington.
Creating homemade gifts for friends and family, to securing positions at local craft fairs, Kate of Kensington has grown and blossomed into a well-respected household name.
Since 2012, Kate has been a firm favourite at the world-famous Apple Market in Covent Garden where the business still resides today, never forgetting their humble beginnings.
In the summer of 2013, Kate made her show debut at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Still finding her feet in the world of marble meets the masses, Kate met many wonderful like-minded people who gave her the courage to make the jump into manufacturing unique platters on a grander scale.
The story behind the name…
Our founder is Kate, and she lived in Kensington when she started the business… simple!
What is your creation process?
Our in-house artist paints all of our watercolour designs, then our lovely team of makers work their magic at our workshop on site.
Where are you based?
We are based on a farm in the beautiful Essex countryside, and are endlessly inspired by the wonderful local wildlife!
What inspires you?
The great outdoors – so many of our designs are inspired by the plants and animals around us, some of them are the star characters in our designs… The sheep who features in our Farmyard design is real, his name is Bert and he lives on the farm, you might have spotted him in some of our Instagram posts!
We are also endlessly inspired by our customers, they share so many wonderful ideas with us when we see them at shows and our Covent Garden stall.
![Berry Branch - Coaster [Lifestyle]](https://www.countrylivingfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Berry-Branch-Coaster-Lifestyle.jpg "Berry Branch – Coaster [Lifestyle]")
What makes your brand or products unique?
We manufacture our core product in-house, which allows us to always keep up with trends, and lets us to control every stage of the process, from artwork to product production.
What are your plans for the next 12 months?
To continue surprising and delighting our customers with beautiful British homeware.
What is your next project?
We are expanding our product range… Watch this space!
What is your biggest achievement?
We were awarded a 5 star trade stand award at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2019 which was a dream come true! We are also very proud to be stocked at Highgrove, HRH The Prince of Wales royal residence. Our biggest achievement is making our customers happy.
![Pheasant in Grass Large [Lifestyle]](https://www.countrylivingfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Pheasant-in-Grass-Large-Lifestyle.jpg "Pheasant in Grass Large [Lifestyle]")
![Solo Highland Large [Lifestyle]](https://www.countrylivingfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Solo-Highland-Large-Lifestyle.jpg "Solo Highland Large [Lifestyle]")
What is your best-selling product/line?
Our marble platters.
Your experience of your first Country Living Fair
Our first show was in 2015 where we won the people’s choice award, and we haven’t missed a show
since!
What do you love about Country Living Fairs?
Our favourite thing about attending the Country Living fairs is connecting with our wonderful customers.
Your three top tips for crafters and makers…
Listen to your customers – they are always right!
Never stop improving your product.
Always offer something new each year to surprise and delight your customers.
Any advice for fledgling businesses…
Go for it! You’re already doing a great job, be proud of yourself and remember you’re doing what you love – how lucky you are!