Meet the Makers: Kate Sessions from Sessions & Co.

How would you describe Sessions & Co.?

Sessions & Co. is a homeware business that collaborates with artists to create collectable functional heirlooms for the family home, inspired by British twentieth century art, architecture and landscape.

What was your journey to setting up Sessions & Co?

Before I started Sessions & Co. I worked for 12 years in the contemporary art world in Scotland and London. Most recently I worked for a gallery called Raven Row in Spitalfields and we did the most beautiful shows but somehow I felt rather far removed from a creative process. Organising exhibitions is, for the most part, an enormous administrative exercise and highly pressured too. I think in my heart of hearts I always wanted to work in the interiors world, creating actual products and so when I had my first baby it gave me an opportunity to see things from a new perspective – because my time suddenly became a thing of great value – and I wanted to be able to be more in control of it.

To be absolutely honest though my mum was also incredibly ill at this time and so I also wanted to be in charge of my time to make the most of the last months she was alive.

The idea for Sessions & Co. was simmering away for a very long time. When my husband’s 3rd generation family printing business (they historically printed the chocolate labels for the Joseph Rowntree factory and later all sorts of other printed labels) sadly came to an end there was also a lovely opportunity to start afresh and create something very different, but which also acknowledged the printing process, and so Sessions & Co. was born – taking the love of printing in a new direction.

What is your main thought or inspiration when you’re designing or planning a collection/piece?

I always think ‘will this piece work as well in a kitchen or living room as it would in a children’s room?’ I really believe that art isn’t there to be dumbed down for children or the reverse; that it can be too playful for adults. It’s striking a balance… I think about the integrity of the design (both children and adults love the interplay between detail and simplicity), the function and usability of the product itself and very importantly the colour palette – I love primary colours for kids, but a mixture of tones and surprising juxtapositions works incredibly well too.

Who or what are your top design inspirations?

This one’s hard because there are so many – I love any of the children’s books by Brian Wildsmith, his colours and mark-making are second to none - particularly The Pelican. Edward Ardizzone for that absolute tenderness he captures so beautifully, Mary Fedden’s colours and compositions, Alexander Calder’s mobiles, and his small works (he designed a beautiful set of miniature versions of his works –just like toys – not for a child but for his wife, which says it all really). Kettle’s Yard and Charleston (I’d love to have the braveness to paint on the wall like Vanessa Bell).

Why is it important to you that your collections are unisex?

This is completely essential to everything we do. Nature and the lived world is what we experience as humans. Everything we make is designed to be timeless and to be passed down the generations regardless of gender!

Who would you say is a role model for you and why?

My grandmother and her sister (my great aunt) are absolutely my role models. My great aunt in particular (though getting close to 90) is the most youthful, inspirational, positive and stylish woman. She is my absolute touchstone for all things related to art, design, culture, gardening and parenting. My boys adore her as though she were their young fun aunt. She’s a complete rock star to be honest.

What’s on your Christmas wishlist this year?

My philosophy this year is nabbed from my new favourite book The Early Riser Companion by Elizabeth Antonia “something you want, something you need, something silly and something to read”. And I will certainly be doing a great deal of my Christmas shopping at The Festive Sessions at Paper Mill Studios which I am co-organising on 30th November 2019 too – so many of my absolute most favourite independent brands will be there, it’ll be hard to resist.

What are you most looking forward to for Sessions & Co. in 2020?

Working with some more incredible artists and makers and developing my next set of products! And collaborating with more beautiful independent brands for Future Sessions at Paper Mill Studios.

Find out more about Sessions & Co. at their website: sessionsandco.com or on Instagram @sessions_and_co

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