Introducing New Creative Collaborations
WRITTEN BY CHARLIE GLADSTONE
There are a couple of things that guests to Glen Dye say more than any others; one being, ‘we loved it and we’ll definitely be back’ and another, ‘the attention to detail everywhere is so extraordinary’.
Both of these are lovely to hear and it’s the second that I want to linger on today.
Attention to detail is something that we pride ourselves on.
In decorating the cabins and cottages, Caroline and I have agonised over every single detail: every mug, picture, cushion, spoon, you name it. Partly because we are fascinated by provenance, design and beauty, and partly because we want our holiday places to be as good as our home, in which we truly love and understand every single detail.
Why do we do this when we could ‘get away’ with something way less expensive, layered and complex?
Because it truly matters to us, we are passionate and so we just couldn’t do it in any other way. And because this is our point of difference and will attract like-minded people. And from that we find ‘our’ people and a successful niche for our business and, well, you see where I’m going.
A lot of the things in the houses are made in Britain by skilled artisans but I don’t know if we shout about this enough. Add to this the fact that most days a guest will ask us where we got something or other (we’re always delighted to oblige) and we had an idea which was this; why not commission some beautiful objects for the holiday homes which will also be available for guests/friends to buy?
Today the first of those is here, a throw designed and made exclusively for us by Hilary Grant and Robbie Harvey at their factory on Orkney.
This is the real thing, made using premium lambswool that’s dyed and spun in Scotland with environmentally friendly dyes.
The design is at once ancient and modern and there is a lovely weight and feel to the throw.
These things make a difference, imbuing the throw with real soul and character.
We’ve commissioned a small run to be shared between the properties at Glen Dye and on our sister estate, Hawarden, in North Wales. You’ll find others available for sale via the button below or in the General Stores at Glen Dye.
Christmas is coming and, by beautiful coincidence, this whole project started when Caroline gave me a Hilary Grant blanket last year and I loved it.
Maybe you could spark someone’s imagination with one this year!
Today we also launch an exclusive, limited-edition print by Gail Bryson.
Gail is an old friend. We have worked with her on multiple projects over many years and with many businesses and her work has always been brilliant and a joy for us to commission.
Her practice is multi-faceted; she’s an artist, colour specialist, product designer and screen printer.
This print is a tribute to the Cairn -titled Wayfinder 01- that Gail created for us at Glen Dye, which marks the middle spot on our Adventure Trail.
In an effort to push her work to new places Gail created this now instantly-recognisable multi-coloured Cairn using a palette inspired by the colours of Glen Dye.
And now she has created this remarkable print which is available unframed or framed, or in The General Store at Glen Dye, should you be visiting.
Bryn Morgan-Hughes shares his experience as Artist/Maker in Residence at Glen Dye
Bryn Morgan-Hughes shares his experience as Artist/Maker in Residence at Glen Dye from February 2025.
On my culture radar this month for April
What’s new on the cultural radar for April 2025. Written by Charlie Gladstone. Including books, audio and music.