Kathryn Holford: Autumn Leaves

About the artist:

Kathryn M Holford (1962 – 2023)

Kathryn Holford (also known as Katy Holford and Kathryn Rowden) was born in Fen Ditton, Cambridge, in 1962. She trained at the Royal College of Art and had a successful career as a glass designer and sculptor for over 30 years, notably working with companies including Wedgwood, Atlantis Crystal & Perrier Jouet Champagne. From 2010 – 2015, Holford enjoyed what became a seminal period for Cumbria Crystal whilst designing and working as their CEO. Cumbria Crystal were the sole remaining factory hand making full lead crystal in the UK. In her role as Creative and Managing Director she guided the company to develop their future not only producing contemporary designs for the luxury market but also sustaining and developing a unique craft manufacturing community within the UK in as ethical and eco-friendly way as possible - taking the company from decline to recovery and to become the leading English Crystal Brand in a global luxury market.

In 2017, Holford moved to France with her husband, a move that inspired her dedicate herself to painting, inspired by the local landscape and culture. Her paintings reference her emotional and spiritual responses to her surroundings and after re-locating back to Cambridgeshire in 2020, she continued to paint. In March 2023, Holford sadly passed away and Fen Ditton Gallery are working with her husband Mark Rowden on an exhibition in March 2024 to celebrate her life and work, in the village where she was born.