Having always been  interested  in history and art,  I did a degree in the  History of Drawing and Printmaking at Camberwell Art School followed by a post graduate course at Manchester University in Museum and Art Galleries Studies; until then my intention had been to become a museum curator, specialising in textiles and historic dress. A visit to the BBC Costume department while on work placement at The Court Dress Collection, Kensington Palace, however inspired a change in direction which lead to The London College of Fashion where I did an HND in Theatrical Costume. A term of millinery with Lil Scott, whose work I had admired in the Merchant Ivory films among much else, was how I was introduced to hat making.

After leaving  LCF, I worked as a freelance assistant to costume makers,  principally for theatre and ballet and took millinery lessons with the celebrated couture milliner and teacher, Rose Cory. In 1995 I joined Cosprop as milliner and the experience of working alongside a fantastic team of dyer, embroiderer, tailors, costume makers, costumiers as well as John Bright, Jenny Beavan and many leading costume designers, was inspiring and hugely enjoyable.
 
I now work freelance and live in Bath, UK.                           My online store is now open at soewn.bigcartel.com