Raised in the Cumbrian countryside, Vanessa grew up in a creative household, with her dressmaker mother Lizzie. Educated at Blackwell House in Cumbria — the renowned Arts and Crafts school overlooking Lake Windermere — she was immersed in pattern, nature and design from an early age.

Vanessa trained and worked as an Intensive Care Unit nurse in London before completing a PGCE in primary education. Teaching art to children reconnected her with her creative roots. During this time, she met her husband Nicholas, an architect, and together they began their life in the Cotswold countryside, going on to have four children.

Vanessa and Nicholas restored a derelict cow byre into their family home, The Tallet. As it evolved, its characterful interiors became sought after for photo shoots by leading textile brands, quietly establishing it within the design world as a place of inspiration.

After a decade focused on family life, Vanessa returned to her creative roots through local art classes. Her fascination with screen and block printing led her to design fabrics for her home, before commissions gradually followed through word of mouth.

What began at the kitchen table developed into a growing business. A feature in Country Living, alongside coverage in The Saturday Telegraph, brought national attention and introduced Vanessa’s fabric designs to a wider audience.

Fifteen years on, Vanessa had established herself as a respected name in British textiles. Her soft palettes and nature-led prints resonated widely, building a loyal and steadily growing following.

Following a serious accident on New Year’s Day, Vanessa sustained multiple injuries that left her unable to use her arms during a long recovery period. During this time, her husband Nicholas and daughters Flora and Rose played a central role in supporting the business. Together, they developed The Artists’ Collection — a deeply personal collaboration that ensured continuity and reflected the strength of the family’s shared creativity.

Following her recovery, Vanessa continued to produce new designs. Collections such as The Botanical Collection and the Forest Collection reflect her ongoing connection to the natural world, expressed through gentle colour, movement and form.

Vanessa moved her business into a timber-clad showroom in Cirencester. Designed by Nicholas, the light-filled space provided a permanent home for the growing fabric collection and a showroom to allow customers to experience different rooms decorated in Vanessa's fabrics.

Vanessa’s daughter-in-law Clio joined the business, bringing her background in journalism to support marketing and storytelling. She works closely with Vanessa, enjoying the opportunity to learn from her experience and approach.

Marking 25 years, the brand came full circle with renewed features in Country Living and The Saturday Telegraph. A collaboration with the American channel Homeworthy introduced The Tallet to a wider, global audience.