7 minute read
Kitchen Icon – Wrendale Designs
Hannah Dale’s enchanting illustrations have taken her further than she ever expected as she explains to Kitchen magazine
OF DESIGN A DECADE
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A family
affair – Hannah and Jack with their children.
Don’t take the hump – camels are among Hannah’s many colourful characters.
From tableware to textiles – Hannah’s charming animal characters look lovely on a dresser or table.
When Hannah Dale first started sketching animals, she had no idea that a decade later her company, Wrendale Designs, would be a multi-awardwinning, international success.
In 2012, having given up a job in London to move to Lincolnshire, Hannah began drawing and painting at her kitchen table in Melton Ross.
The former stockbroker, who has a degree in zoology from the University of Cambridge, took inspiration from local wildlife to create exquisite images of hares, full of character and mischief.
AN INSTANT HIT
Having transferred her watercolours on to cards, Hannah began providing these to local gift shops. They were an instant hit. As demand grew, she expanded her repertoire to paint, amongst other creatures, badgers, owls, ducks, cows, foxes and pheasants.
“One of the reasons I started Wrendale was because I had struggled to find work that would fit around the demands of a young family - I didn’t quite realise at the time it would end up becoming such a full-time job!” says Hannah, now a mother of 3.
“I often end up painting early in the mornings before the children wake up and at weekends too, and I have definitely struggled over the years to get the balance right. I don’t think it would be possible without having Jack in the business – we make a really great team with his strengths complementing my weaknesses and vice versa. We share the load with childcare too.”
A FAMILY BUSINESS
Hannah’s husband Jack gave up his job as a farmer towards the end of 2012 to manage the business full time, ensuring Wrendale remains a family-run enterprise which now employs more than 70 people.
“I feel really lucky to make a living from doing something that I love. It can definitely be stressful at times and the last 2 years have been challenging, but having a family business feels such a privilege and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
Today, inspired by her zoology degree, Hannah’s illustrations include elephants, giraffes, llamas and more, while in 2020, her watercolour of koalas raised £17,000 for the WWF Australia Appeal, providing emergency care for wildlife injured in the bushfires.
PERFECT PARTNERS
Maintaining consistently high standards, the business has established a firm reputation for quality. All the greeting cards are printed on sustainably-sourced board produced in the Lake District. These also have a tactile quality, reminiscent of the watercolour board the designs are first painted on. It’s this same thought that goes into every product.
Pairing with famous pottery maker Portmeirion in 2013 has resulted in cushions, fabrics, mugs, ceramics, tinware and kitchenware items. Another successful collaboration has been with UK-based candle and home fragrance company Wax Lyrical.
In recent years, many of her friendly characters have been turned into cuddly 3D creations as part of a new plush range. The latest launch was a collection of puzzles which hit the shelves just last summer.
Having scooped several Henries awards (the greeting card industry’s equivalent of the Oscars), Hannah and her team gained a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2019, and last year she won an Athena award at the NatWest Everywoman Awards which celebrate inspirational businesswomen.
AN INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
Wrendale Designs are also a big hit internationally with the company currently distributing to a total of 47 countries and plans for further expansion.
There are also more new products in the pipeline, including additions to the popular plush collection – look out for Camilla the giraffe and Gordon the Highland cow, along with a new baby collection in 2023.
Although Hannah says her aim from the very beginning was to create a household name, she admits she never anticipated where the company is today.
“My vision for Wrendale was to have a stockist in every town in the UK. I still have to pinch myself when I think how far we have come in the past decade.”
ABOVE: Scent
of success – a collaboration with Wax Lyrical has produced gorgeous candles and reed diffusers.
BELOW: To the top
in 10 – Hannah had no idea how far her company would come in a decade.
Wrendale Designs Fox Plush Cuddly Toy with Canvas Gift Bag
A wonderful gift for a wee one, or fox fan of any age, this cuddly creature is a beautiful blend of high-quality materials and Hannah Wrendale’s celebrated artwork. RRP: £40.00 Harts Price: £36.00
Wrendale Designs Hedgehog Plush Cuddly Toy with Canvas Gift Bag RRP: £40.00 Harts Price: £36.00
Wrendale Designs Teapot RRP: £45.00 Harts Price: £36.00
Wrendale Blue Tit Bird House
RRP: £28.00
Harts Price: £25.20
Wrendale Designs Country Set Book RRP: £10.00 Harts Price: £9.00
Wrendale Designs Mouse Travel Mug
RRP: £15.00
Harts Price: £12.00
Wrendale Designs Guinea Pigs 3 Bowls and Tray Set RRP: £42.00 Harts Price: £33.60
S E E + S H O P
Wrendale Designs Medium Dog Bed
RRP: £59.00 Harts Price: £53.10 For our full range of Wrendale Design products, come and browse our store or visit us online at www.hartsofstur.com
Wrendale Designs Dog Garden Belt Blooming with Love RRP: £22.00 Harts Price: £19.80
Wrendale Designs Cotton Drill Apron
RRP: £19.50 Harts Price: £15.60
Wrendale Designs The Flower Pot Garden Kneeler
RRP: £22.00
Harts Price: £19.80
Wrendale Designs 8’’ Pet Bowl RRP: £32.50 Harts Price: £26.00
Wrendale Designs Fine Bone China Mug Feather Your Nest
RRP: £12.50 Harts Price: £10.00
Wrendale Designs Mice Biscuit Tin
RRP: £18.00 Harts Price: £16.20
Wrendale Designs Lovely Mum Mug & Tray Set
Add a dash of duckling joy to cuppa time with this delightful matching porcelain mug and melamine tray set. RRP: £19.00 Harts Price: £15.20
Wrendale by Wax Lyrical Meadow Candle Jar
This Meadowsweet candle by Wax Lyrical has a burn time of up to 62 hours. The jar, with a wooden lid, is designed to be used once the candle has been enjoyed. RRP: £26.00 Harts Price: £16.90
SUMMER CELEBRATIONS
From birthdays to bank holidays, parties to picnics, enjoy a sociable summer
LSA Moya Champagne Flute Set of 2
RRP: £45.00
Harts Price: £36.00
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