Boutique Of The Week: Ella Doran

Boutique Of The Week: Ella Doran

You might not recognize the name, but you will definitely recognize her work. From award-winning wallpaper to placemats, wrapping paper, blinds, cushions and more, photographer and designer Ella Doran's work is vibrant, fresh and good for the soul. Dubbed the queen of tableware and credited with turning the humble placemat into a work of art, we caught up with Ella to find out what inspires her.

Ella Doran and her homewear shop. Photos: Ian Macaulay

What inspired you to start up Ella Doran?

As a child I always made things, and loved pattern making from a young age. It was during my foundation year that I really realized I wanted to do a degree in textiles.

Who was the biggest influence on your work?

My Mum comes from a creative background, her father was an engineer and painter and her grandfather was William Friese-Green, the inventor of the moving picture. So you could say that I have continued two family traditions with the art and the photography.

What are you working on at the moment?

Lots of projects - we're finishing off a great collection of Christmas stationery - wrapping paper etc and working on a new range of candles, along with launching a very special collection of mats and coasters for the vinyl lovers later this month!

Do you have a favourite product from your range?

No, it changes all the time, I tend to find I finish a collection and I go through a period of not liking it! Then I start to like it again when I see it in context and working on the products it's made for.

What inspires your designs?

My surroundings, my children, nature, the crazy London town that I live in.

What is your favourite material to work with?

Colour and my photographs.

Mug and bowl available at Ella Doran. Photo: Ian Macaulay

How would you describe your style?

Eclectic, fresh, modern and bold.

What would be your dream commission?

An assignment from National Geographic to be taken to some far off land and take photographs for a report, something different to what I do now, as I am currently following my dreams creating my own business making beautiful products for the home.

Which of your contemporary's do you admire?

All of them! Donna Wilson, Mimi Berry to name a few.

What's next for Ella Doran?

Wait and see...

Click here to check out all that the Ella Doran online boutique has to offer.

Ella Doran, 46 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EH Tel: +44(0)20 7613 0782, www.elladoran.co.uk

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