Helen Mary Strong has been wearing Sula for 10 years, this is her story.
I grew up on a farm in the South of Ireland. In all weathers I loved being outside – I still do!
I was sent to boarding school (something I would never recommend) in England. Then in 1968 I went to Drama School in London and got married in my final year, 1971. Not long afterwards my three children were born, and I am immensely proud of each one of them.
After my parents died we moved to my home in Ireland and ran the farm and garden. Later I opened an interior design business near Dublin. Four years after this we moved back to England, where, tragically my marriage broke up. For nine years I ran an interiors business in Brighton selling natural materials, to which clothes were later added.
I became ill in 1998 and whilst in hospital I was introduced to clay. To this day I am grateful for the insight and sensitivity of the NHS hospital staff. I have worked with clay ever since and feel passionately about the necessity to include and use the creative process to get well.
Ten years ago I had the good fortune to meet Alison Taylor and Sula. We shared the same studio/premises. It didn’t take long for me to be drawn in to this haven of pure colour, texture and clever design. Rows of earthy coloured silks, sheer cottons, organza, lace, knitted and felted wools, buttons, ties and ribbons. All of which are made use of by Alison to create some exquisite clothes which are easy and comfortable to wear. I may be looking after my beloved grandchildren, spending hours working in the garden or sculpting, meeting friends, walking or attending a function, Sula’s gorgeous clothes fit perfectly in to my lifestyle. I feel I wear these clothes as an expression/extension of myself – a second skin perhaps!
I will happily be wearing Sula for the rest of my days!
Photography by Maga Esberg.
Helen mary Stronge