Finding my root cause

Gillian has been immersed in the world of craft and design from earliest childhood. Growing up in Italy, the heart of craft, fashion and design, where she ran barefoot across hand-painted tile floors and watched lace being made under the trees of the piazza. Her first and best-loved handcrafted possession was a robust leather handbag that her mother commissioned from a local leather worker for Gillian’s 18th birthday. A new consciousness and appreciation of the craft and design that surrounded her was born, leading to a lifelong love affair.

As Gillian travelled Scotland advising tourism businesses, she was drawn to and struck by the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the local crafts people and designers.

In 2016 Gillian launched Craft Design House to provide the perfect balance for this fast-moving and consumer-driven society. A purpose-driven enterprise with a vision to revive heritage and keep traditional skills at the forefront. The aim, to connect customers with creators and celebrate inspirational, timeless and tactile pieces that are made with passion and designed to be used.

There are few concepts that have such ability to transcend borders and language barriers as design, culture and heritage, offering a visual format for telling stories whilst learning about heritage. It’s a win for all involved.