Andrée’s Vase
I chose this beautiful asymmetric ceramic vase as a birthday present on behalf of ‘Knit Club’ for Andrée. It was bought from a maker exhibiting at Made London and was enjoyed for many years placed on her mantlepiece until their cat’s tail toppled it onto a stone hearth and the piece returned to me in bits.
It’s not often you see Paul Smith garments in charity shops these days. The abstract pattern and the beautiful colour palette made it stand out on the rails. And it fitted! Whilst it fitted, the complicated tailoring of the garment was at odds with the fabric, breaking up the the rhythm of the printed design. I never reached for it in my wardrobe, but I did for this commission.
Most ‘mishap commissions’, come to me through word of mouth or as a result of my online profile. Knowing the client well is rare. With Andree – we go back a long way! I know her personal colour preferences and I have colour associations to draw upon.
The ceramic piece chosen for her had an understated, tonal, and irregularly positioned abstract mark-making design – sophisticated and elegant. The Paul Smith shirt struck a similar balance but through completely different means. As soon as I started I knew it had the right character.
It was a joy to make and in its new incarnation give it again as a birthday gift.
Please let me know if you recognise the ceramicist. The name of the maker has been lost in the years that have past and I would love to credit them. The unusual shape has been such a pleasure to work with and their work has become part of my backstory.
Zoë Hillyard 
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