TOO GOOD TO WASTE

MAUDE SMITH IS INSPIRED BY NATURE, THE HOMES OF ARTISTS AND A WASTE-NOT-WANT- NOT ETHOS PASSED DOWN THE GENERATIONS

- Alice Roberton

Artist Maude Smith’s Victorian terraced home of just six years is a far cry from the modernity of its surroundings in Stockwell, south east London. More reminiscent of an established country pile, it is brimming with nature’s influence, time-worn furniture, chintz, curious collections and a naive creativity that places it more accurately in a fairytale than a sprawling city. Heavily influenced by the home of Vanessa Bell and the Bloomsbury Group, Charleston near Lewes in Sussex – which exudes freedom of expression – the house, with its beautifully illustrated features, is a testament to artistic passion.

Having grown up in rural Yorkshire, Maude studied textiles at Edinburgh College of Art. Later, in London, she turned her attention to illustrating children’s books, mural and furniture painting, set design, interior styling and designing and making dresses that nod towards the iconic vintage designs of Laura Ashley.

“It was quite a struggle to find the right house as everything was horribly modernised and poky. The house was a mess of ripped out cornices and fireplaces, ugly striped carpets and shoddy plastic fittings, but it was the best I could find. Imperfection has proved more satisfying than perfection as I’ve had to get really creative to make it my own,” explains Maude.

Maude is inspired by her grandmother – a frugal woman who made, mended and reused everything, and her father who was a conservationist – and is naturally drawn to restoration and recycling.