Under the Acanthus Leaves: A collaboration with artist, Jess Wheeler

Two creative minds united by a shared passion for the outdoors, we are so pleased to introduce you to a new collection of lighting inspired by nature and its colours.

Both deeply rooted in the natural world, artist and designer Jess Wheeler and our founder and colour man Edward Bulmer, have launched a lighting collection, just in time as the evenings get darker.

‘Walking around Edward’s garden and woodland together led us to discover a shared love of the majestic plant’

Jess Wheeler

Broad leaves, still and so intricate hold the pigment of natural paint beautifully and we can’t wait to be showcasing these beautiful fixtures in our London showroom until 28th September.

Available in colours, Malahide, Persian, Stone White and Olympian Green, a palette chosen thoughtfully to coincide with the seasons. The plaster cast light fittings are also available in other colours by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint upon request.

How did the idea for the collaboration start?

I’ve always been a purist when it comes to making my plaster work. I love the raw, natural colour and texture of plaster. I was initially hesitant about adding colour, as I didn’t want to lose the detail and movement of the natural forms. But then I tried painting a rhubarb leaf I’d cast with a sample pot of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, and I was amazed at how beautifully the paint sat on the plaster. I reached out to Edward, and we spent a day together at his house, walking around his incredible garden in Herefordshire. We talked about our favorite things to grow, and our love and loathing for certain plants. We also discussed the rich symbolism of the Acanthus leaf, one of the oldest decorative motifs symbolizing immortality. The ancient Greeks carved them into Corinthian columns. Edward and I liked the idea of casting a real, irregular acanthus leaf, as historically, these leaves have become highly stylized.

Talk us through the colours you chose for the pieces. Why were you drawn to them?

I chose an autumnal palette to reflect the season. I’m always drawn to a rich terracotta colour—’Malahide’ is such a deep, warm shade, while ‘Olympian Green’ has a delicious acidity.

Other than nature and the outdoors, where do you find inspiration?

When looking for inspiration for a project, I always turn to my books. Edward and I are quite similar in that way. While working on this project, we were particularly focused on books about classical decoration, with the acanthus leaf naturally featuring heavily.

What was the most surprising or unexpected thing you found when working with natural paints?

How wonderfully they work on raw plaster. I was worried that the detail of the plaster-cast leaves would be lost under the paint. But the paint is easy to use and sits perfectly with a wonderful finish. It was a relief not to need a primer.

Aside from making, what’s a pastime or hobby you enjoy, especially as the nights draw in?

Cooking. Where I live in West Dorset, we have access to the most wonderful fresh local food. I love cooking for friends and feasting in my workshop. We make it cosy, light the wood burner and all the candles, drink wine, doodle, and talk about the things we’re making.

We share a love for working seasonally. What about the seasons bring you joy?

I love the muted colours of autumn. When a garden is starting to hibernate, the acers and maples provide a surprisingly deep red.

Which book do you like to cosy up with as the nights draw in? 

I’m reading *Why Women Grow* by Alice Vincent. It’s a lovely, moving book about the reasons why women turn to the earth as gardeners and growers. It’s a reflection on motherhood, resistance, and saving the planet.

Which Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colours do you have at home?

I’ve painted the wainscoting and cupboards in my kitchen Olympian Green. It’s so joyous and fresh.

Where can you see these beautiful Acanthus leaves hanging?

I imagine them in a beautiful, thoughtful home. They’d work well on a muted wall colour, but also in a busy, colourful space. We’ve paired them with a matching coloured flex so they can be hung anywhere.

You recently moved to Dorset. What are your favourite things to do when you aren’t in the studio making?

I love swimming. I swim in the sea year-round—there’s nothing better than first thing in the morning. I also enjoy walking. My workshop is close to an Iron Age hill fort, and I love stomping up there when I need a boost of energy or space to think through design conundrums during the day.

What makes a good leaf, and how do you choose the special ones?

A good leaf to cast is one with lots of texture and movement. Acanthus leaves have wonderful thick veins, and these details cast beautifully.

Favourite autumnal recipe?

Diana Henry’s recipe for baked sausages, apples, and blackberries with mustard and maple syrup. It’s completely delicious and a great savoury way to use the glut of blackberries and apples at this time of year.

Nature offers something to titillate all of the senses. What about nature excites you most?

How it’s ever-changing, teasing, and so hard to capture. When I find a leaf I want to cast, I need to rush to my workshop to work on it immediately. There’s no time for contemplation. Quickly capturing a moment in a leaf’s fleeting life is the ultimate privilege.

Can we have three songs from your recent playlist or ones that remind you of the changing seasons?

“Sidelines” by Phoebe Bridgers
“Certainty” by Big Thief
“The Wild Rover” by Lankum

Jess’ designs will be available to see and pre-order from Edward Bulmer Natural Paint from Monday 9th September-Saturday 28th September.

Come by, have a cup of tea, welcome Autumn and see our brand new showroom repaint.

See you soon!