Tell us about yourself
I’m Rory Hutton, a Cambridge based artist, designer and historian. Next year I will be in business for 10 years; my brand has always been about print but it took me a while to find my style. Today all my prints are developed from my original linocuts, this has become my aesthetic, I love the rough ‘scratchy’ look which gives the prints a lively handmade feel. Celebrating the handmade origins of the prints is really important, I think the idiosyncrasies make them special.
I love history so collaborating with museums and heritage institutions has always been the dream. Since 2018 I have designed over 100 scarves in collaboration with museums, theatres and galleries in the UK. I am always inspired and learning as each project is so different to the one before. Often I am working on two contrasting themes at the same time, last year I worked on prints inspired by Faberge and Stonehenge simultaneously!
Tell us more about your studio and ways of working
My studio is packed with books, I love old auction catalogues, these are an endless source of inspiration and I can’t resist a second-hand bookshop. I am a bit of a collector, I have lots of antique ceramics, prints and drawings. I don’t have much space but I like having objects and inspirations around me.
What inspired your Kettle’s Yard range?
Brown furniture! Kettle’s Yard is full of gorgeous characterful country furniture. It was lovely to draw these items, especially the chairs, I am very drawn to chairs, I think the Ede’s were too!
I thought the doorbell was also very special, I remember on my first visit the guide encouraged us to ring the bell before entering, that was really charming so I wanted to include it.
Why did you want to collaborate with Kettle’s Yard?
I moved to Cambridge in November 2020, during the pandemic. I visited Kettle’s Yard one dark and wet evening within that first week and I was struck by the welcoming atmosphere, it feels like a home. Having a collaboration locally makes me feel very welcome and at home in Cambridge.
If you had to buy yourself a gift from the Kettle’s Yard shop, what would you choose and why?
Any of the Henri Gaudier-Brzeska models, the Sleeping Fawn is probably my favourite, so elegant!
The Kintsugi Repair Kit also really appeals to me. I have an eighteenth century blue and white saucer which I dropped recently, this could give it a new lease of life and make me feel less guilty.
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Rory Hutton
Explore the Rory Hutton x Kettle’s Yard range
