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Celebrating Women


Sunday 8th March is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

At the Kit Kemp Design Studio, we aim to celebrate equality every day, but we would like to take this opportunity to honour and praise all the women that are a source of inspiration: women of the past who still inspire us today; women we are privileged to be working with, and extraordinary women that form part of our own community.

1. Mary Queen of Scots, who made embroidery a language

During her imprisonment, embroidery was not only a pastime, but a form of communication.  Mary Queen of Scots created the Oxburgh Hangings, now in the V&A’s collection, with Elizabeth Talbot. This amazing artwork illustrates how women collaborated through craft. You can find out more HERE.

 

2. Natasha Hulse, the Contemporary Embroiderer

Embroidery takes centre stage in many of our hotel rooms and projects, most recently though the work of Natasha Hulse. An alumna of Chelsea College of Art and Design, Natasha creates botanically inspired designs using handcrafted and hand-painted applique.

In the master bedroom of The Whitby Suite in New York and the Terrace Suite at Ham Yard Hotel in London, an exquisitely hand-embroidered headboard by Natasha Hulse adds excitement and drama with its vibrant colours and textures.

3. Vanessa Bell, who started the Omega Workshop with Roger Fry 

Vanessa Bell’s freedom of expression is deeply inspiring.  She had a distinctive colour palette, bold but not bright, which works so well in an English light. Her artworks can be seen at Charlotte Street Hotel.

4. Mimi of Biarritz, who has more inspiration in her little finger than anyone else we know  

Mimi’s work can be found throughout our hotels, from her seashell covered mirrors and chest at the Soholistic Spa, to the ladies in conversation on the fireplace at Ham Yard, and our beautiful Queens. See more of her work HERE.

5. Carla Kranendonk

Carla is a Dutch born artist who has always been inspired by the women of West Africa and the Caribbean. We discovered her work at The Stephanie Hoppen Gallery on Walton Street in South Kensington, just around the corner from our design studio.

‘Reclining Woman’, which takes pride of place in Brumus Bar & Restaurant at Haymarket Hotel, nearly knocked me off my feet. I love the visual language; the powerful woman is draped in jewels and handbags ‘to carry your identity, your secrets and your culture with you’.

Join us on Sunday 8th March at Ham Yard Hotel, where we will host a special pre-release screening of the highly anticipated film, Radioactive – a journey through Marie Curie’s enduring legacies – followed by a live streamed Q&A with the film’s star Rosamund Pike and Academy Award nominated director, Marjane Satrapi.

CLICK HERE for tickets.

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