About

Growing up amongst the moors and dales of the Peak District, Kate has loved drawing and painting ever since she was wee and remembers being fascinated with some William Morris wallpaper in her Nanna's house. However she went on to work in the environment sector and hadn't done any art since leaving college. Originally it was a summer job doing fish surveys and maintenance on the River Naver that brought Kate to the far north of Scotland and she has found it difficult to leave ever since. After years of wanting to do something creative, Kate set up Kate & Kelpie as and when time allowed alongside a number of other jobs. Inspired by the sea and surrounding landscapes of Caithness, Kate & Kelpie create striking prints and patterns which draw on Kate's original paintings and linocuts. The prints are digitally printed onto fabric here in the UK using eco friendly water based inks. Kate is now lucky to live in Caithness with her family (including two dogs) where she designs and makes all of Kate & Kelpie's unique homewares and bags from her mini studio at home. Kate loves the bold patterns of the 50s and 60s as well as a selection of contemporary designers. Winifred Nicholson and William de Morgan are amongst her favourite artists.

The name Kate & Kelpie refers to the kelpie, a shape shifting water spirit from Scottish folklore, that resides in rivers and lochs ready to lure unsuspecting passers by into the depths! The connection to water made it seem an apt name for our coastal inspired prints.