Introducing Bohemia

Bohemia logo, founder and product collage

Bohemia is an Edinburgh based lifestyle brand run with sustainability and ethical principles at it's core. For 25 years Jenny Lockton, the founder, and her team have worked in close partnership with grass roots artisans and fair trade organisations in Morocco, India and Turkey to produce collections of design-led, handcrafted accessories using locally sourced, natural materials and traditional methods, to create slow crafted wares with a modern aesthetic. Guided by the beauty of craft and conscious of the preservation of artisanal techniques which are integral to the cultures within which they work, the products are created to be functional and durable, with a profound respect for the precious resources of the local environment.

Plum & Belle: What are 3 things about your business that make your heart sing?

Jenny: Sitting with artisans in their studios and workshops watching in awe as they carry out their crafts. When we say everything is made by hand we really mean it, and to witness this in person is very humbling. It is incredible what skilled makers can create with the simplest of tools and materials.  2. It is challenging work but the people we meet make everything worth while and the generosity and hospitality extended to us is wonderfully life affirming. 3. The ability to travel and explore fascinating countries in an immersive way, really digging deep into the culture to gain a true understanding of the value of craft.

P&B: What makes Plum & Belle a good fit for Bohemia Design’s products?

Jenny: We are thrilled that Plum & Belle have selected us to be one of their suppliers as our values are very much in tune; a consciousness that every decision we make has an impact and the importance of working in a way which is kind and respectful to our environment as well as to people. Nature truly knows best and provides us with everything we need to be able to live a good life.

P&B: What are the key values that drive your business and inform your choices?

Jenny: Our key values all come down to kindness, respect and honesty. We believe in treating everyone we meet and work with as we would hope to be treated ourselves and we also have a deep sense of connection with nature. Why use artificial materials in our homes or next to our skin when nature provides us with everything we need - cotton, linen, wool, clay, plant-based fibres, wood. Friendliness and a sense of humour are a great way to communicate with people even if you don't share a common language.

P&B: Is there an event or outcome that made you feel particularly proud of Bohemia Design?

Jenny: I feel proud to have worked in the field of art and craft all my life and to have forged deep friendships with many of the people I have encountered along the journey. I am still working with the same artisan I first collaborated with 25+ years ago in Marrakech.

P&B: Do you have a favourite product?

Jenny: I absolutely love our baskets and have a home full of them! They are the ultimate eco-friendly product, handwoven from natural plant fibres they are strong, long lasting, simple but beautiful and so versatile with many uses from storage to shopping. Natural baskets are also fully biodegradable at the end of their long lives.

P&B: What are your future aims for the business?

Jenny: The number of artisans we are working with is steadily expanding and we have met some great new suppliers on our recent trips to India and are looking forward to developing these relationships.

P&B: Anything else key about you, your business, team or makers that you’d like to share?

Jenny: I think the fact that I have learnt and practised a lot of art and crafts myself over the years really helps me to understand the processes and dedication involved in producing well crafted, finished pieces. I have huge respect for our artisan partners and believe that slow made, handmade wares offer us the opportunity to introduce work with real heart and soul into our homes and lives.

We're so excited to be offering a curated selection of Bohemia's beautiful collection. To see it all, just click here.

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