Susie Watson never imagined herself as founder of a celebrated design brand, nor did she envisage the roller-coaster ride that she'd go on to create it. Brought up in Wimbledon, which she considered rather boring and suburban', Susie's father ran a family business that sold some of the first sewing machines and bought up most of Peckham High Street in its early days. 'My mother's family were rather different,' she says. 'Obsessed with travel and collecting beautiful things. This diverse set of genes may have served me well.'
Sent away to boarding school, Susie showed little interest in an academic career: 'School didn't capture my imagination and I was exceptionally naughty. I ended up taking only one A-Level at an expensive London crammer.' Unsure what to do next, and with university options blown, she trained as a radiographer and a speed writer, then tried work as a doctor's receptionist, an elocution teacher and a cleaner. Each job ended disastrously until, much to her father's relief, she met her future husband Hamish and married, aged 20.
Esta historia es de la edición January 2023 de Homes & Antiques.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 2023 de Homes & Antiques.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Asante & Ewe Kente
This West African stripwoven cloth dates back centuries and is still manufactured today, representing a vibrant symbol of the area's history and traditions, says Celia Rufey
A place of CONTRASTS
Filled with art, Murano glass and other treasures, this Milanese villa is experiencing a new era of splendour thanks to Marco Arosio
Industrial OASIS
Pernille Holm transformed this Copenhagen workshop into an inviting home that's packed with quirky details and original features
Greek mood
Returning to France after several years living on the island of Hydra, Véronique Bloch-Powell has infused the interior of this 18th-century mill with Greek style, via furniture and paintings brought back from her Hellenic journeys
HEIRLOOMS OF THE FUTURE GERALD MAK
The ceramic artist talks to Dominique Corlett about Meissen, friendly gestures, and the benefits of distance when considering your heritage
Six of the best COTTAGES FOR GARDEN LOVERS
Summertime is when the English country garden is at its best, which is why you should pick one of these picturesque cottages, castles or cabins to enjoy arural idyll, says Rhiannon Batten
48 hours in NARBERTH & the Pembrokeshire Coast
Much feted for its food scene, the small Welsh town of Narberth can also be applauded for its vintage and antiques offering, which has blossomed in recent years, says Rosanna Morris
TRAVEL
Visit Narberth, plus six holiday cottages for garden lovers. Review of The Lido Townhouse by Katie Pike, travel stories by Rhiannon Batten
Pride of place COALBROOKDALE GARDEN SEAT
The Shropshire village made famous by the Darby family's adventures in iron is as celebrated for its ornate garden furniture as it is for its ground-breaking bridge, says Janet Gleeson
A buyer's guide to GARDEN ANTIQUES
Elevate your garden, Bridgerton style, with opulent statues, romantic fountains and oversized urns