Dee Hardwicke
Artist • Designer • Knitter
For the National Trust
AW17 Animals Collection
The woodlands within the National Trust’s care provide the perfect habitat for countless creatures.
If you’re really lucky, you might even spot an owl tucked away in the boughs of an ancient oak tree,
as illustrated so evocatively in this stunning design.
There’s something instantly uplifting about the sight of a jauntily curious, beady-eyed robin. With their orange-red breasts, they’re a particular joy to see in the winter months. What could be more festive than a colourful robin perched in amongst the gleaming red berries of a holly bush.
The majestic hare embodies the beauty and folklore of our historic landscapes. It’s a real thrill to catch a glimpse of these elusive animals as they bound through the countryside – a precious moment captured in this delightful design, which depicts a hare surrounded by delicate foliage.
The red squirrel is one of the country’s favourite animals and, thanks to vital conservation work, numbers are rising. This beautiful design features a red squirrel nestled amongst autumn leaves and rose hips, and brilliantly captures the energy and joie de vivre of these remarkable animals.
For the National Trust
Glasshouse Collection, Spring/Summer 2017
Glasshouse Collection
The word glasshouse evokes images of the beautiful and abundant gardens of some of our best loved and historical estates; warm sunshine, swirling vines and saturated colours. This collection was inspired by some of our best loved glasshouses, looked after by the National Trust, and the wealth of plants still grown in these much loved structures.
For the National Trust
Autumn/Winter 2016
I am thrilled to introduce my new autumn/winter kitchenware collection for the National Trust - The Hare range features leaping hares, oak leaves and acorns, painted in earthy tones.
The eight piece Hare collection set includes a generous cake stand, mug, milk jug and measuring spoons. Completing the set is a British made apron, tea towel and oven mitt.
The Oak is one of our best loved British native trees, and certainly one of my favourites. Whether walking along my local river path, or exploring our ancient forest, the Oak captures my imagination throughout the seasons. Hares hold a particular fascination for me. I love their playful nature and the folklore that surrounds them. Combining the Oak and the Hare captures for me the beauty, folklore and mystery of our historic landscapes.
For the National Trust
Spring/Summer 2016
I am delighted to launch my second collection of exclusive tableware for the National Trust. Inspired by the floral-filled borders in the cottage garden at Barrington Court in Somerset, the collection features delicate blue flowers and speckled butterflies in my signature illustrative style.
2015 Collection
For the National Trust
Spring/Summer 2015
I am delighted to have teamed up with the National Trust to create an exclusive range of homeware for the leading conservation charity.
The collection has been inspired by the British landscape and the special places cared for by the National Trust.
Highlights include jugs decorated with beautiful plants and flowers, and cups and saucers bedecked with colourful butterflies.
The pieces, and the sketches behind them are inspired by the natural world and the collections of inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck, whose house Overbeck’s, in Devon I visited, and is cared for by the National Trust.
Overbeck’s cabinets which display rare collections of butterflies and moths lie behind the butterfly designs found on the mugs, cups and tea towels in the collection, while the patterns on the jugs leap from pages in my sketchbooks, filled with drawings, watercolours, pressed flowers and leaves.
The range is available exclusively from shop.nationaltrust.org.uk and selected National Trust shops across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
