New at Maven: Donna Wilson

Donna Wilson has been designing, manufacturing and distributing her curious creatures, luxurious lambswool cushions, knitwear and ever-expanding collection of home accessories since 2003.

Her designs are made with the finest fabrics in the most vibrant of colours. Chances are you’ve already encountered some of them in your day-to-day life and travels.

Donna Wilson’s story starts in rural Aberdeenshire, where she spent her childhood on her parents’ farm:  ‘We used to have an old hen house that became a cabin of craft… a place to hide from adults and have adventures. I would create sculptures from branches and twigs, make mud pies and serve them in old pots and pans’.

Through these early experiments, she developed a love for the natural landscape, wildlife, and of course, making things – mostly from textiles using handcrafted techniques like felting, sewing, knitting, and wrapping. When she was old enough, Donna packed her bags and set off for London where she honed her home-taught talents at the Royal College of Art.

It’s fair to say Donna’s studio wouldn’t be where it is today without its network of talented craftspeople who help to bring her products to life. Keeping UK manufacturing and crafts alive has long been an important part of Donna’s work and she is proud to say that each Donna Wilson product is, wherever possible, made in the UK by people who take great pride and care in their work.