We are so delighted to be stocking Tamra Seaweed Press Prints at Birdie Fortescue, and to have hosted an event with founder, Louisa, at our King's Road Pop-Up. We sat down with Louisa to find out more about the inspiration behind her art, her production process, and her favourite places to visit in the British Isles!

What is the story behind Tamra? 

I set up whilst living in New Delhi. I was working in homeware sourcing and manufacturing and was constantly surrounded by beautiful homewares. I was keen to bring back something unique that endorsed Indian craftsmanship, thus Tamra was born. It started off primarily as a range of copper items (Tamra is a Hindi name for copper) and it has morphed over the years to what it is now!

A lot of our production is done in India and it's a place we also love! Where is your favourite place there and why?

It's just the best place! Calcutta for me has all of the best things India has to offer without being too touristy. Wake up at the crack of dawn and go to Mallick Ghat flower market - you won't regret it. 

What inspired your seaweed press designs? 

People often feel that seaweed on our British coastline is ugly and dull. So much of it is the opposite. I love highlighting this in my work. I revisited pressing whilst in lockdown up in the Hebrides. The sand is so white up there, the brightly coloured seaweed pops out at you. 

Where did you learn the art of seaweed pressing?

My grandmother taught me pressing when I was younger. 

What does the production process look like? 

I have a few different beaches that are particularly good seaweed spots so i’ll occasionally head to one of those. I only pick seaweed that is loose and washed up on the beach and select only a few pieces at a time. The tides and seasons play a factor too. I then create the designs and sandwich them in the press to dry. Once fully dried I frame them up.

We know your dogs are a big part of your life, where has been your favourite dog walk in the British Isles?

Nothing beats a stroll on the South Downs, nearby where we live in West Sussex.

What is your favourite thing about being an artist and owning a business? 

Having freedom with your own time.

What do you find most challenging about being an artist?

You have to create everything you sell which can get stressful in times of high demand! 

What are you currently working on?

I am soon to launch some sea fan artworks which are stunning as well as some new different types of pressings. I am also looking into doing a small re-brand with wider options of frames.

As an interiors brand, we’d love to hear about your own personal interiors style. Can you describe your home in a few words? 

I have recently started channeling more of a minimal look! But I would say our cottage is light, cosy, rustic and pared back…