International Women’s Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the strength, courage and brilliance that women bring to every corner of creative life. From artists who shape our visual world to the women whose talent and imagination influence the spaces we inhabit, today we celebrate those whose voices and visions inspire us daily.
Honouring Women Who Paint the World with Passion
Some of the women that captivate us the most are those whose work speaks of movement, emotion and freedom. Lucy Kemp-Welch was one of Britain’s foremost painters of her time, renowned for her powerful and dynamic equine scenes that capture not only the physical form but the spirit and vitality of her subjects. Born in Bournemouth in 1869, she exhibited at the Royal Academy and became widely celebrated for portraying horses in moments of work and motion, bringing energy and dignity to everyday rural life.
Sandra Blow was a pioneering abstract painter whose bold gestures and vibrant compositions defied easy categorisation. Her work explored the expressive possibilities of shape, texture and colour with confidence and conviction. Challenging the conventions of mid-twentieth century art, she continues to inspire us to embrace experimentation and scale with courage.
When we think of imagination and delight in visual narrative, we also celebrate Holly Frean. Her witty compositions and richly detailed scenes remind us that creativity can be playful and profound at once. Her distinctive voice and assured line bring humour and humanity to every piece. Discover some of Holly’s work here.
Contemporary ceramicist, Sasha Compton, carries this spirit forward. Her vibrant practice, rooted in expressive colour and imaginative form, feels both timeless and distinctly modern. There is a sense of freedom in her work that resonates deeply with our own love of layered storytelling through design. Discover some of Sasha’s work here.
Celebrating the Women Within Our Studio
This International Women’s Day, we honour the extraordinary women of Kit Kemp Design Studio. They are the thinkers, makers and collaborators whose talent and dedication bring ideas to life. Whether shaping colour palettes, refining patterns or guiding a project from concept to completion, their insight and artistry form the heart of our creative journey.
A Celebration That Continues
Like the rooms we design, layered and thoughtful with a strong sense of individuality, the legacy of women’s creativity is rich with texture and vitality. From pioneering painters to present-day makers, and from studio collaborators to the artists whose work fills our hotels and homes, we celebrate a lineage of women whose contributions elevate and enliven our world.
We invite you to take a moment this International Women’s Day to explore the work of women in art, in design and within your own community. See them not only as inspirations, but as reminders of how creativity shapes our shared experience.