`A hand-painted wedding invitation or Christmas card is very special'

WATERCOLOUR ARTIST AND CALLIGRAPHER, HARRIET DE WINTON

- JANET MCMEEKIN

Even in the depths of winter, Harriet de Winton has only to glance out of the window of her cosy home studio, or go for a walk in the nearby forest, to glean inspiration for her festive watercolour designs.

Her barn conversion nestles in the idyllic location of Haldon Forest Park in Devon, with far-reaching views over the Teign valley and Dartmoor. ‘It’s a beautiful part of the world. When I’m out for a stroll with my husband, Anthony, and our dog, Crumble, I’ll often collect something, such as holly with ruby-red berries, to weave into festive designs for my online shop where I sell my Christmas cards, wrapping paper, wedding stationery and party invitations,’ Harriet explains. ‘I may take my finds along to one of my seasonal watercolour workshops, or they might inspire one of my painting commissions.’

Harriet’s career path as an artist hasn’t followed the traditional route. With an English Literature degree and post-graduate diploma in set and costume design, she worked as a freelance set and costume designer and illustrator for many years, before her creative career took a surprise twist. ‘My step-sister asked if I would design her wedding invitations, and I relished every step of the process,’ Harriet says.

Spurred on by the response, Harriet decided to hone her watercolour skills and, after a conversation with a wedding stylist friend in 2015, the first seeds of the de Winton Paper co were sown. ‘I discovered that there were only a couple of other businesses producing hand-painted watercolour wedding stationery,’ she explains. ‘There was a gap in the market, and I knew how much people appreciate the time, skill and care involved.’