Ruth Emma Fox grew up in the English countryside and spent much of her time developing her practice in London. Ruth’s work is often inspired by her upbringing and family roots. When studying her Grandfather sadly passed away and she inherited his engineering tool box that hadn’t been open for nearly thirty years. The box was full of tools that had their own ornateness and craftsmanship about them. ‘Through illustration I wanted to capture the ornateness of the tools as well as the craftsmanship required in order to use them.’ Continuing within these themes Ruth used her upbringing on a small holding as further inspiration - providing a wealth of gardening tools and plants to draw. Ever since then? Ruth has been commissioned by high profile galleries, museums and companies to illustrate for product lines, digital publications and illustration for print. Enjoying it so much that she has recently extended her small business to launch a new range of carefully crafted ceramic and print based goods. All made close to home in England. Adorned with some of the everyday tools and objects we value the most that allow us to make, craft and grow. Ruth now spends her weeks illustrating for commissioned work, designing, packing and posting orders.
With a focus on considered design and locally crafted products. Ruth Emma Fox’s illustrated pieces combine both traditional and contemporary illustration practices. This way of working is one in which Ruth has perfected for over a decade. When combining Ruth’s crafted illustration with bespoke, high-end manufacture, the result is unique, lasting design that is considerately made. Bringing contemporary decorative arts into your daily life and home.
Carefully sourced ceramic and paper pieces are chosen for their lasting abilities that balance practicality with endurance. Each item is adorned with illustrations that celebrate how we make, craft and grow. Considered, high quality manufacture is at the core of celebrating the illustrations that they showcase. A great example is our ceramic cups. Each one is made by a team of highly skilled people who work within the historic English potteries. Each stage is undertaken by a different person with their own set of expertise. Ruth’s fine bone china cups are screen printed and the designs are carefully applied by hand. In the final stage they are handdipped and selected. With a human element each, cup has been lovingly made whilst supporting English manufacture that’s only a short visit from home.