I’ve always loved textiles and wanted to continue approaching my work as an artist, rather than a designer, so chose to study fine art embroidery at University. During my studies I learned practical techniques as well as rigorous research and development practices. For my final degree show work, I produced artworks based on the Scottish landscape, mixing embroidery, hand weaving and the use of naturally dyed silks and wools. I consider myself first and foremost an artist which I think helps me to push the boundaries and create work that is unusual in my industry. The attention to detail and precision I learned can be seen in the quality and finish of my products and the influence of those early landscape artworks continues to flow through my work now.

I have always loved sewing and had taken classes after school from an early age. My mum still has the pin cushion I made for her when I was 6! When I was about 14 a new textiles teachers tarted at my school and she really opened my eyes to the potential of textiles. It was the first time I had thought about sewing as an art form and not just a practical skill. I then got a sewing machine for my 15th birthday and I have never looked back! It was the best birthday present I ever received and it is still very much in use here in the studio.

I started out selling handwoven artworks to collectors soon after graduating. Alpaca fibre came into the frame when I began designing and weaving a scarf as a gift for my mother. She’s allergic to wool so I decided to research alternatives. Alpaca fleece is completely hypo-allergenic, it’s beautifully soft, comes in 22 natural colours and is the only luxury fibre you can source from UK farms. Cashmere and silk have to be imported, which is why I work with Alpaca, sustainability is extremely important to me.

This was a personal project but with the inevitable word of mouth, I ended up selling all of the scarves. However, I’m happy to say my mother does now own several of my pieces and every time we produce a new collection she’s always keen to have the first viewing.

We believe in making beautiful things that last. Our timeless designs are informed by a desire to transcend fast fashion trends and create pieces that can be enjoyed for decades, before being passed on to future generations.

Drawing on Scotland’s rich textile heritage, every Araminta Campbell piece is an ode to Scotland. All of our textiles are made right here in the country that inspired their design, using local materials, traditional skills and expert craftsmanship. All of our Signature pieces are designed and handwoven in our own studio and workshop.

Traceability is important to us – sometimes we even know the name of the alpaca a particular colour of fleece originated from. For custom tweed and tartan projects, we source our wool and cashmere yarns from carefully selected British suppliers. Keeping things local means we can make sure we use only the highest quality raw materials.

The Scottish landscape has always been my main source of inspiration–probably because that is where I am happiest! A walk or drive through the wilds of the Highlands or an afternoon at home in Royal Deeside is always inspiring and I am constantly seeing ideas for a new design or combination of colours.

Creating new designs and seeing clients get really excited about something we have made. Fundamentally, that’s what drives me forward every day. I love what I do and to see the appreciation and enjoyment our clients get from our products is hugely rewarding.

I love how my own business allows me to be involved in every stage from the design of a product to the making process, whether that is training a new hand weaver in the studio or creating a custom woven design for a client.

I’ve always looked up to Stella McCartney, her style is at once cool and classic and I have such admiration for the way she has raised the bar for ethical luxury fashion.

We really love AUTHOR’s curation of high-quality, handcrafted pieces from artisans across the British Isles. We’re delighted that our MINTA collection is joining AUTHOR’s selection of wonderful makers.

In addition to our MINTA range, we also offer a bespoke design service–please contact the team at AUTHOR if this is of interest.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss bespoke designs by Araminta Campbell Studio. You can view Araminta’s gorgeous Willow Throw made from 100% British alpaca wool here.

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