Five Favourite Things with Artist Poppy Rosemary Smith
In this series we ask creatives from various fields to choose five of their favourite things. These are items that could have inspired their work or given meaning to their life in some way; objects that represent a moment in time, or that forms part of journey leading to where they are now. I think it’s wonderful to, especially in these times, be able to dip into what certain things mean to people. The objects we cherish often carry energy such as love, joy and hope, and can evoke memories as well as those emotions when we think of them. The idea is to tell short stories through objects, and that with just five items you can take part in someone else journey and get to know them a little.
This week I chat to Poppy Rosemary Smith about Laura Ashley dresses, the importance of a good sketchbook and handmade purses featuring her own designs. Poppy is an artist who enjoys working across many mediums but specialises in architectural illustration. She has recently been working on hand drawings for interior and exterior design proposals and private commissions for country houses. Her eye for detail, love of architecture and free style of working make these drawings a timeless reference and works of art in their own right.
Whilst working in interiors, Poppy studied Historic Building Conservation at University which helped influenced her love of traditional interiors and bold colourful spaces. This love of colour and anything old with a story has permeated into her wardrobe where she has a growing collection of absolutely beautiful vintage dresses, which I am very jealous of (perhaps it deserves its own post!).
Poppy herself says; “I collect dresses, all of which have elements that I love. One day I hope to make dresses that contain all my favourite elements from those that I’ve been collecting over the years”.
Follow her at @poppyrosemarysmith
Poppy at Blenheim Palace
Poppy wearing vintage bridesmaid’s dress by Laura Ashley
Close up of the bridesmaid’s dress
Watercolour study of Basildon Park
Ring & Bangle
My ring and bangle. These were designed by my mother using gold from my great-grandmothers jewellery collection. I have worn them both since I was given them on my 18th and 21st birthday. They make me feel close to my family and my two sisters and my mother wear the same gold bangle, which is special.
Poppy in her grandmothers dress
Poppy wearing her ring and bangle
Poppy wearing her grandmother’s dress at Brunswick House
MY DRESSES!
These are my favourite items in the world and it was very hard to pick my most special. I have been collecting dresses for many years now as I love clothes that are older than me and are beautifully made with lush fabrics and patterns. Often when I am at home I will wear them whilst I cook etc as it really lifts my mood and makes me feel happy and inspired. My most special dress belonged to my grandmother, who I never met. I wore this dress to a party as Brunswick House and it felt very special giving it a good night out again after decades being stored in a suitcase. I recently had it copied in ticking fabric as I love the shape and wanted to see how it felt using a different fabric. I am hoping to get it made again this year in antique chintz.
I love Laura Ashely dresses - one of my favourite is a rare and early style I found on eBay that was incredibly stained and I decided to dye it a bright blue and its had a whole new life and looks so much better! I love saving dresses that someone else doesn’t love. I also adore the pink striped Laura Ashley bridesmaid dress.
Poppy’s dress collection
Poppy’s dress collection
And the dress after 💙
The Laura Ashley dress before
Book from Paris
Book from Paris. When I finished my GCSE’s my mother took me to Paris for the weekend to celebrate. She bought me this book whilst we were there and I just love the colours and illustrations.
Cover of the book
Sketchbook
I always have a sketchbook on the go and spend lots of my time painting and drawing. I studied Historic Building Conservation at University and I find that sketching helps me understand buildings better and really gets you to focus on details and the buildings construction and development over time. I really enjoy using watercolours and spend lots of time in my mothers garden in Petworth painting the view, which is glorious.
Sketches from Petworth Park
Framed painting by Poppy
Sketch of Polesden Lacey
Homemade Purses
I love drawing and I designed some of my own fabrics a couple of years ago and had some purses made to sell. I have a couple which I kept for myself and they’re quire fun and colourful - its nice to carry something round with you that you made from scratch and they’re also quick and easy to make.
The process
Purse designed by Poppy
Homemade colourful purse