Each month we feature the work of a different artist/maker on our website. Take a look and find out about their inspiration, how they create the work and generally what makes them and their work unique.
Cornishwear smocks are made by Liz Wilkin in Lamorna in the far west of Cornwall. They are based on the smocks worn by generations of local fishermen, which were traditionally made out of old sails and waterproofed with linseed oil.
Liz's family have lived on the same small Cornish farm for nearly 500 years. As a child, Liz, like most others at that time, wore smocks on a daily basis. From this, the idea for Cornishwear was born. Frequently Cornishwear customers, with a smile on their face, tell of the old smocks that they have owned in the past - mostly navy and a bit stiff! The smocks that Liz makes come in a rainbow of colours, giving the customer a wide choice.
Liz makes her smocks in a range of fabrics, including linen/cotton, cotton twill, fleece, wool, linen and waxed cotton. She is also happy to make bespoke smocks to order.
Liz lives in Lamorna with her family, within sight of the sea. She works from a workshop at home that is never quite as tidy as it should be. It is a happy mix of patterns, thread, fabrics and the odd cup of tea and cake.
Each smock is hand cut from various patterns that were drawn up by a pattern cutter who also lives in Lamorna. They are then overlocked and sewn with a distinctive range of trims.
