This Christmas, we’ve partnered with a host of brands to turn Davies Street into a festive destination. In addition to offering a selection of products perfect for gifting, we’ve teamed up with six British brands and craftspeople to provide unique experiences, live making, offers and events in the run up to Christmas. 10% of gross profits made during the Gift Shop will be donated to the Crisis charity for homeless people.

The collaborations have formed as part of a wider celebration of creating in England, working with brands that share the same values, craftsmanship and pride in British manufacturing. One of the artists we’ve teamed up with is the talented, Jo Elbourne.

Following a decade-long career as a menswear designer, Jo Elbourne returned to hands-on making in 2015, setting up her current workspace in Margate’s Resort Studios. Using a specific method of wrapping and threading through, her work explores the seemingly simple act of manipulating string and cotton cord in one direction against another. In 2017, Elbourne won an Elle Decoration British Design Award and was selected to exhibit in the British Craft Pavilion at London Design Festival. We discussed all things Christmas, in build-up to her in-store event alongside Alice Made This.

Turnbull & Asser: What’s your favourite thing about the festive season?

Jo Elbourne: I look forward to it as a time to escape and rest for a few days.

TA: How far in advance do you buy your presents?

JE: I might think about and research gifts for weeks, but always end up making the final decision at the last minute (or make something myself!).

TA: How do you approach gift wrapping?

JE: Generally, I try to be inventive with what I have to hand. I work in a shared artists studio so there are always people getting creative and making DIY wrapping paper, gift boxes and tags, trying to reuse and repurpose.

TA: What artwork/piece of yours would you recommend for gifting?

JE: My smaller artworks would be great for anyone with a burgeoning art collection as they are either unique or made in very small editions. Last Christmas, a couple commissioned me to make a piece as a joint gift to each other which was a really nice process to be part of.

TA:: Finally, if you could have one item from Turnbull & Asser, what would it be?

JE: I love the patterned spot and paisley silk pocket squares.

Visit the Davies Street Christmas Gift Shop between 8th November and 24th December, where selected artworks by Jo will be available to purchase in-store. She will be doing live making in-store on Thursday 21st November. For more about our Turnbull & Friends Christmas Gift Shop, click here.