Homegirl London pays homage to Sophie Allport (Limited). This business venture is the collaboration of Sophie Allport and Jem Allport, a brother and sister team. Sophie makes a delightful selection of quintessentially British homewares inspired by her love of nature and the countryside. The collections feature beautifully illustrated animals, birds and insects – Labrador, Terrier, Cat, Swallow, Chicken, Busy Bee and Butterfly. These designs adorn kitchen accessories, home accessories and stationery. You’ll find everything from mugs to tea towels, cushions and bags. Sophie works with a number of materials – fine bone china, oilcloth, melamine and tin to make her extensive ranges. I caught up with the designer, Sophie Allport to find out more.
Cat Range
Meet Sophie Allport
Sophie studied at Lincoln College of Art and later went to Leeds Metropolitan University where she gained a first-class honours degree in Graphic Art and Design, specialising in Illustration. Afterwards she moved to London and had many illustrative commissions ranging from wine bottle labels for Harrods to an ad campaign for Brittany Ferries to work for Macy’s department store in New York.
Sophie Allport
While working as a freelance illustrator Sophie started to sell some of her cards and prints. It was at that time that the idea of starting a business with her brother came about. Sophie tells me – “Jem trained as an accountant and had always wanted to run his own business which is something we’d discussed in the past. In 2007 it just seemed the right time to give it a go. It all started in Jem’s bedroom in Battersea, London. It was an obvious division of responsibilities – I look after the designing while Jem runs the business side of things.”
Busy Bees Jugs
In 2009 they relocated to Stamford in Lincolnshire, Sophie explains – “Jem and I wanted more space for our families and to be closer to mum. It’s a very picturesque town with great rail connections to London from Peterborough and is situated just off the A1. It seemed like the perfect place to move to. We have a great network of friends and family here who all help with the business.”
Cat Everyday Bag
Sophie is certainly enjoying the benefits of having her own business – “It’s amazing doing what I love and seeing our products in the shops. It’s the best feeling hearing positive feedback from customers on something I’ve designed. It’s incredibly hard work and can be stressful at times but it is so rewarding. I also have the flexibility to pop out and see my boys play in a cricket match or perform in an assembly which is very important to me.”
Sophie Allport Collection
Sophie describes her designs – “My style is illustrative reportage. It hasn’t really changed over the years but my subject matter definitely has. Historically I did a lot of architectural illustration and now I take my inspiration from nature, wildlife and the countryside. I’ve always liked to work with pen and ink and I use watercolours to bring my illustrations to life.”
Chicken Range
The main collections are animal, bird and insect focussed – Labrador, Terrier, Cat, Swallow, Chicken, Busy Bee and Butterfly. These designs adorn a wide selection of products – fine bone china mugs, jugs, plates, bowls, tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, cushions and ironing board covers. Sophie tells me – “Every new design I launch seems to be my favourite! I love the summery simplicity of the new Swallow design which was inspired by these amazing birds swooping and gliding into our barn at home.”
Swallow Tea Cosy
Moving to the countryside has made a big impact on Sophie’s designs – “Being surrounded by nature is inspirational, like observing the season changes. My three young boys also have a big influence. They were obsessed with insects for a while and that’s where my Busy Bee, Ladybird and Butterfly designs started. I did a few sketches for the boys and took it from there!”
Butterfly Range
Pets are also featured – “The Labrador and new Terrier collections were inspired by my friend’s dogs that often came for sleepovers while they were away. We now have our own gorgeous Fox Red Labrador who can be found on the new Woof fine bone china mugs!”
Woof Standard Mug
Quality is important to Sophie – “Our fine bone china is all hand decorated and finished in Stoke on Trent. Every single Butterfly and Bee is carefully hand-applied before the china is fired. It’s a long process but ensures the best quality colour and finish. All of our new Scented Candles are handmade in England. We had a great time in the office picking all the different fragrances.”
Buy Sophie Allport Products
You can buy these Sophie Allport products through the website at Sophie Allport. To give you an idea about prices – Mugs are from £9.50, Aprons from £9.50, Tea Towels from £6 and Greeting Cards from £2.25.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Sophie Allport. Thanks: Sophie Allport and Pippa Rymer.
