It was by accident that Vicky White’s wire fox terrier, Bertie, became the star to Plum & Ashby, a home accessories design business she launched in London in 2012. Bertie-the-mascot has been seen gracing the designs of cushions, aprons, oven gloves, tea cosies, mugs and of course dog accessories for this young, upcoming brand.

“This was a bit of an accident really! Bertie likes to comes everywhere with me. So he just started popping up in our photography and turning up at meetings! I’m afraid that he is now quite use to all the attention and can’t bear to be left out of any Plum & Ashby projects – so expect to see a lot more of him in the future!” says Vicky.

After working for British brands like Jaeger and Aquascutum as Head of Marketing, Vicky felt ready to step out on her own and go into business for herself. The Plum & Ashby line of home and table accessories is uncomplicated, subtle and clean with a generous does of patterns and bold typography as accents. With the exception of a few pieces, the Plum & Ashby collection is design in house by a small team which consists of Vicky, Product Developer, Beth, Claire and Jasmine on the wholesale team, PR Manager, Lindsay and Aisling the intern.  And we can’t forget Bertie!

INTERVIEW: Vicky White, Owner, Plum & Ashby {London}

01 How did you choose your studio location in London?
We are located just around the corner from Tottenham Court Road, in an area already well known for established interior brands. My business partner’s office in Fitzrovia proved to be the perfect space for our first showroom.  I had very little knowledge of the area at the time but having spent a year working in Fitzrovia (and walking Bertie each day around the beautiful garden squares) I love it!

02 What is Plum and Ashby known for?
We are known for good quality, well designed products, with a design aesthetic that is both clean and simple and elegant and considered. We also getting very well know for our little mascot Bertie, who is very closely inspired by my wire-haired fox terrier!

03 Working in the design industry, what are a few of your favourite tableware items? 
I love the hand-thrown pottery style around at the moment. Lots of products seen at other brands are machine-made, but we are very proud that our collection is hand-thrown in England. Because of the unique nature of the process, no two products are ever exactly the same, which really means that they feel like pieces you would keep forever.

I am really tempted to buy some new wine glasses from La Rochere. I love that their design is perfectly simple and timeless.

I’m a big fan of vintage linen. I especially love to buy napkins and table cloths from the many antique fairs I visit across the UK. By mixing and matching style in this way, creates a lovely, in-formal, homely feel.

04 Do you entertain at home?
I love entertaining but definitely have a relaxed approach. I brought a antique linen bed sheet from a fair sometime ago, which I use as a table cloth. Its really hard wearing and no matter what gets spilt on it, it always disappears in the wash. I’ve also got antique candle sticks with lovely bees wax candles. I love candle light at dinner!

Food is generally something simple, a lovely salad with fresh fish is a favourite. I’m also a little obsessed with Port – I love to have a glass after supper!

05 What is next for Plum and Ashby?
We are hoping to work with more stockists in the UK as well as talking to international partners. We would really like to open a store this year and are keeping our eyes peeled for just the right home. We will also continue to design and develop lots of new products into the Plum & Ashby collection – keep a look out for new launches throughout the coming season!

Photo Source: Plum & Ashby