BUSINESS
inDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
GET TO KNOW THESE FLOURISHING CREATORS AND THEIR UNIQUE DESIGNS AS WE CELEBRATE ALL THINGS ART THIS MONTH …
JANE DE BONO www . janedebono . com janedebono
Beginning as a print textile designer , Jane de Bono started experimenting with leather while studying at the prestigious London College of Fashion and The University of East London in 2001 . Having set up a print and leather workshop partially funded by The Prince ’ s Trust , she was selected for The Walpole Luxury Goods mentoring scheme to receive training from some of the top luxury brands . Fast forward to now and Jane continues to create beautiful minimalist designs with modern abstract print and utilitarian personalised leather goods , also offering custom-made products and leather repair in her workshop by the Kentish coast . When speaking with Jane about the inspiration behind her work , she was keen to touch on her passion and journey in sustainability . “ The world is a different place now than back then ,” she said . “ We are more conscious of the ‘ buy less , buy better ’ ethos and saving our planet . I ’ m not a big fan of throwaway fashion , or mass-production , so everything is sourced and made with that in mind . Sustainability is the mission here ! Everything is designed with premium quality materials and made to stand the test of time and grow old gracefully .”
MINUS FINE FURNITURE www . minusfinefurniture . co . uk @ minusfinefurniture
In the summer of 2022 , bespoke furniture designer and maker Alastair Minus started Minus Fine Furniture , specialising in high quality , handmade heirloom furniture made primarily from wood . After graduating from Rycotewood Furniture Centre with a first-class degree in Furniture Design and Make , where he also received the ‘ Best in Show ’ prize by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers at the 2022 Rycotewood Summer Show , Alastair turned his skills and lifelong creativity towards working with oak , ash , walnut and many others to create beautiful pieces of furniture that not only serve a purpose but also fit his client ’ s style and personality . “ I believe that furniture is more than just a simple object but rather an expression of ourselves ; I take pride in ensuring all my furniture is built to last , using high-quality joinery techniques , materials and finishes .” Alastair is also proud to be partnered with One Tree Planted and for every commission taken on a percentage of the profits is donated to plant trees in the UK and around the world .
POSTCARD MODELS www . postcardmodels . co . uk @ postcardmodels
Father and daughter team David Martin and Emily Symons began selling their miniature model kits of iconic buildings around the UK in 2018 , stocking numerous galleries , shops and exhibitions . With Emily holding a BA in illustration and David coming from car restoration , the pair have passionately combined their skills in design , laser cutting , 3D printing and casting to create their intricate pieces taking inspiration from our gorgeous county from places like Prospect Cottage in Dungeness and Timeball Tower in Deal . “ Postcard Models was born out of the ambition to recreate childhood memories in miniature form ,” says Emily . “ Taking inspiration from British architecture and our surroundings , everyday life inspires us and we enjoy being able to bring together a love of illustration into models that look equally good on your mantelpiece or as part of a diorama . Our models are generally based on a connection to a place - a holiday , visit to a special place , a walk to school or university - and we try to capture that memory into a model .”
192 • www . insidekent . co . uk