A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How We Created Our 2026 Fabric Brochure
Opening a new fabric brochure is like stepping into a whole new world where vibrant colours, patterns, and textures begin to unfold in front of you. But what you see on the page is only part of the story. Behind every image is a rich tapestry of creativity, craftsmanship, and care, all brought together to help you imagine how these handcrafted fabrics might live in your own home.
For our 2026 brochure, we wanted to capture feelings of warmth, joy, and comfort; showcasing beautiful spaces that invite you in and inspire you to be a little braver with colour and pattern. So, come behind the scenes with us, and discover how we brought our 2026 fabric brochure to life.
It all started on a winter’s day in the Bothy
The story of our 2026 fabric brochure began on a crisp, sunlit day in January in the Bothy: our creative and community space next door to our showroom. On shoot day, it became a buzzing hive of activity as we set out to capture three entirely different room settings in just one day – a big task!
Our talented team spent days preparing for the shoot; panelling walls, gathering props, and selecting fabrics. Each room slowly started to take shape, evolving from an empty space into a warm and inviting room that was perfect for showcasing our fabrics.
Styling the Bothy with colour and pattern
At the heart of the creative process is stylist and art director Sally Denning, who has worked with Vanessa for over 15 years. She helps Vanessa create her brochures and her images, as well as putting all her fabrics together.
“Working with Vanessa’s fabrics is a joy,” she says. “When Vanessa brings out a new collection, it’s always full of colour and joy, which is great to work with as a stylist. You can coordinate, you can mismatch – you can do lots of different things.”
Sally begins each room with a clear focal point, for example a bold wall colour or a standout patterned fabric, and builds from there. “I tend to start with one of the bigger prints and then break it down,” she explains, “adding in the stripes and plains so there’s a nice mix of colours and patterns, and the fabrics all work together.”
Building each set from the ground up
Once Sally has designed the rooms, it’s over to decorator Jeremy Bonner. He helps with installations and plays a key role in bringing each set together.
From building panelling to painting and installing finishing touches, Jeremy helps transform Vanessa and Sally’s ideas into fully realised spaces. “It can be a bit chaotic,” he laughs, “a bit like shop fitting. But compared to some of the work I’ve done before, it’s actually quite calm.”
Jeremy loves how Vanessa’s fabrics are deeply rooted in nature and family, with a strong connection to the Cotswolds. Her rooms are inspired by the Shaker aesthetic, which makes them a joy to build.
Capturing light and mood through photography
After each set has been built, it’s time for them to be photographed. Photographer Mark Scott has been capturing Vanessa’s fabrics for over 20 years, helping to translate each space into an image that feels joyful and uplifting.
“When I’m setting up a shot, I think about the mood first; something light and airy,” he explains.
But it’s also important to get the right balance of light and shadow when photographing fabrics. “Vanessa’s designs are full of colour,” Mark continues, “so it’s my job to bring out that colour and pattern and ensure it’s shown in the best light”. He adjusts his approach depending on the design, using softer light to reveal more intricate patterns, and stronger light to bring out the vibrancy of simpler colours.
It’s this thoughtful attention to detail that allows each fabric to truly shine in our brochure photography.
A true celebration of creativity and craft
Vanessa, Sally, Mark, Jeremy, and the entire shop team each bring their own expertise to the process – but it’s a truly collaborative process at its heart. “Everyone works so brilliantly as a team … it’s just joyous!” Sally delights.
Our 2026 brochure is a reflection of our brand’s shared creative journey. It’s not just a collection of fabrics and furniture; it’s a series of thoughtfully crafted spaces, with each one designed to inspire and help our customers feel right at home. We hope that as you turn its pages, you feel a little bit of that joy too – and perhaps even find some inspiration for your own home along the way.
Order your free copy of our 2026 brochure today.
We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.
