South East Creatives encourages business in the creative, cultural and digital sectors to take advantage a new £5.1million grants and support programme.
Heather Orr, who is based in digital:glassworks in the Creative Quarter, has benefitted from this programme.
About me:
Based in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter, in Glassworks, I specialise in constructed textiles. Dedicated to craftsmanship and cutting-edge design, our studio aims to provide innovative luxury lighting and accessories for the contemporary interior. Our ‘Home’ and ‘Reclaimed’ collections incorporate traditional processes with a contemporary aesthetic, each piece is made by hand with bespoke and custom options available.
With a focus on sustainability, recycled and reclaimed materials are sourced where possible such as our recycled cotton cord and reclaimed vintage frames. Our Reclaimed Collection gives old shades a new lease of life, discarded vintage lampshades are stripped back, given a fresh coating and knotted with a choice of yarn in a range of colours and finishes.
My specific interests lie in the link between making, health and wellbeing. A desire to inspire others through teaching has led to a range of workshops which I run from my Folkestone studio and in partnership with others. I also work as a Senior Lecturer with numerous educational institutions and am a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.
How South East Creatives (SECCADS) has supported my business:
South East Creatives funding and support has enabled me to purchase equipment and materials in order to produce a collection of products which I launched at London Design Fair this September. Thanks to South East Creatives I was able to purchase a Lilliput Knitting Machine which cords fine embroidery thread into a tape yarn, a bit like French Knitting, this has enabled me to produce some of the yarn I use in my products right here in the studio, allowing me to offer a fully bespoke service to my customer.
I was also able to work with a local photographer and seamstress, as well as to employ a salesperson to work with me during the Design Fair, the South East Creatives funding contributed towards these costs.
