A decade in design: Award-winning artist and printmaker celebrates milestone anniversary

With recent commissions for products to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III in May, and a CV and a work ethic that would be the envy of many creatives of his generation, #roryhutton has much to celebrate.

Since starting his business in 2013 with handmade Irish linen bow ties, the Cambridge-based artist, printmaker, and historian’s career has gone from strength to strength, leading to collaborations with over 30 major heritage and retail institutions at home and abroad.

Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, The Royal Opera House, Victoria & Albert Museum, National Theatre, Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in California, and Fortnum & Mason of Piccadilly and Brown Thomas, Dublin, are among some of Rory’s notable clients.

In the January 2023 edition of The English Home, Rory was awarded a New Year Honour in the 'Rising Stars’ category. Previous awards include Ion Magazine Breakthrough Awards winner and runner-up in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Over the last five years, Rory has designed over 100 silk scarves, featuring bold linocut illustrations and block colours, most of them commissioned by clients to celebrate major exhibitions, events, and anniversaries, including a Queen Elizabeth II commemorative scarf commissioned by Westminster Abbey, and Feminine Power: The Divine to the Demonic for The British Museum. Rory’s most recent collection has been inspired by the 400th #anniversary this year of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio, widely regarded as one of the most significant literary treasures in the world. The range is stocked by the National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Westminster Abbey, and The British Museum.

Now his signature product, with particular designs selling out on his website, the scarves caught the eye of Homes & Antiques Magazine, which described them as ‘worthy collectables.’

Rory Hutton said:

“From making bow ties in my home studio in Wimbledon and achieving considerable success with my silk scarves to receiving a thrilling commission to #design a range of items to celebrate the King’s coronation, it has been a hugely rewarding decade for me.

“At the heart of my work - essentially, guiding it for every item - are a commitment to reinterpret historical themes for modern audiences, and a joy in creating visually striking and culturally relevant designs."

“I have been very fortunate to work with many internationally renowned institutions and wonderful individuals and as my career continues to develop, I look forward to many more successful collaborations.”

Rory’s charitable work includes designing Christmas cards for The Hands Up Foundation to raise funds for medical centres and schools in Syria and Lebanon; and designing crowdfunding awards for The Art Fund’s ‘Conserve Canaletto’ campaign.

As his business enters its second decade, Rory plans to move into interior #design, encompassing tablecloths, napkins, wallpapers, and upholstery fabrics - both, for the home and the UK and international hospitality sector - all of which will be informed by his deep love of art, craft, and heritage.