Pothecary Gin X Francesca Lyle
Pothecary Gin, founded by Martin Jennings, is a testament to the love of organic, handcrafted spirits. Free from gimmicks and rich in authenticity, this British gin has won multiple awards. The brand teamed up with Francesca Lyle, to create an intricately embroidered depiction of their iconic Pothecary Gin bottle.
An original oil painting by Rishi Ludgate, created exclusively for Pothecary Gin, inspired the design. This artwork captures the essence of their signature 'Original' gin. Five key botanicals adorn the bottle: juniper, lavender, lemons, tilia flowers, and black mulberries. The painting also includes the traditional alembic copper pot still used in the distillation process. Additionally, it features a picturesque scene of the River Stour and the historic Priory Church in Christchurch, where the micro-distillery is located.
I started by drawing sections directly in the embroidery software. I then created mini test samples to see how stitch effects, colours, and layering influenced the design.
Given the velvet material’s stretch and thickness, I had to consider how the stitching might get hidden. Consequently, I produced two carefully edited, full-scale test samples to ensure quality and consistency before embroidering directly onto the cushion covers.
Working on this beautiful project has been so enjoyable. These embroidered cushions will gradually find their way into hotels and restaurants across Christchurch, The New Forest, and hopefully beyond. They have been lovingly crafted for those who appreciate fine gin and artful embroidery pieces.
As they find their new homes, I look forward to updating this page with fresh information and photos. Stay tuned for exciting updates on where these cushions are showcased!
Photographed on the left, is a lovely customer enjoying Pothecary Gin at The Colin Nash Restaurant at Hinton, where the first embroidered cushion from this project is currently located.
Endorsement:
"Working with Francesca was a pleasure. Her enthusiasm and creativity brought our vision to life in stunning cushions. Her dedication at every stage made the collaboration enjoyable and successful. Francesca’s talent and love for her craft shine through in these exquisite pieces."