A bespoke Love Heart piece, a gift for Claudia on her birthday xx

We added a few photos that capture aspects of our life together, Here are the stories behind the photos!

Happy Birthday, Mum, love from Natalie xxx

1. All of her daughters were born and brought up in Henley.

2. ⁠The quote on the heart represents exactly what our home and family is like. It’s never boring and I know we all wouldn’t have it any other way.

3. ⁠Zizzis always being our go to family restaurant, where food is enjoyed and arguing is minimal - apart from if Keurslager is involved!

4. ⁠Harpsden woods with the bluebells where my mum always really enjoys running and going on walks.

5. ⁠Henley choral society is the choir that mum sings in, she has done some amazing solo’s. Both me and my sister have sung in the youth choir and I’m sure our favourite memories are from when we all sang together in the Christmas concert.

6. ⁠One of her daughters has had an amazing rowing career, winning Henley womens regatta and competing in HRR, thank you for always supporting me mammies x

7. ⁠The Indian now being our favourite restaurant to go to with her wonderful husband Thierry who has seamlessly become part of our family.

'The Love Heart’ Series

This series captures the passion and happiness a particular place can evoke. Inspired by amulets and milagros (ancient symbols of love and protection) the heart symbols reference local places, landmarks, discovered details and histories. The expressive brushstrokes are inspired by map references and symbols, as if taking a journey around the town and local area.

Fragments of music scores, architectural elements, patterns, historical information, recipes, ancient script and maps are often included to tell the story of a place. The love heart series illustrate the passion we all hold for places, travel, nature... the list is endless!

‘Love Henley’

This piece captures the essence of Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Bold motifs in bright colours evoke the energy and passions that flow throughout this wonderful town. Key annual events are referenced through sketches of The Henley Royal Regatta deckchair, tents and rowing crews, scull seats, shoes and The fabulous ‘Henley Festival’ fireworks. There is also a sketch of Hobbs’ boat ‘The New Orleans’ and the oldest dry boat house, Wharfe Lane.. spot the rower standing by the scull?

Ink sketches of well known places include our Town Hall, Church, Brewery buildings, Phyllis Court, Temple Island, River and Rowing Museum and Henley bridge Spot the town crest and signs for pubs including The Angel on The Bridge, Catherine Wheel, The 3 Tuns, The Bird in Hand and the Hart Street Tavern.

A reference to local watchmaker ‘Bremont’ and the stallion, symbol of stud farms are there to be discovered and maps of local villages plot the the river Thames as it flows and a series of numbered circles are placed according to their position on a river map denoting distance from London Bridge. Grey heart shapes tell the history of the town with some delightful references.

Flowers and herbs that fill the town in summer are illustrated throughout including lavender, sage, rosemary, cosmos, sunflowers and the beautiful town-sponsored hanging baskets. There is also a bunch of very orange carrots, had to mention ‘Bosley Patch’ who provide the town with the best fresh veg and bread through their shop and ‘Machins’ Butchers. Studies nod to our favourite pastimes rowing, cycling, walking, tennis, rugby, live music events and of course drinking cocktails, Mr. Hobbs ‘Gin and tonic’ and of course... champagne in a bucket!

Secret stories of this beautiful town on the Thames are hidden throughout, not forgetting, of course.. a pair of swans and the Union Jack (or two..) for good measure!