View from the New: Atlantic Mats and China Petals discuss new launches with the Ashmolean Museum

Susan Baker, MD, Atlantic Mats

Susan – it’s great to catch up. First of all, can you tell us a little about Atlantic Mats and the company’s history.
Atlantic Mats was founded in 2021 with the aim of developing sustainable, high-quality, durable homewares. We launched Ocean Mats – a range of long-lasting, washable doormats and runners – in 2022. Made in the UK, the Ocean Mat range combines innovative materials with decorative design.

You produce your products using recycled waste products from the ocean, such as discarded fishing nets. What prompted you to explore this area?
I’ve worked in the textile industry for over 30 years, first in fashion then moving to interiors and floor coverings. I became aware of new innovative materials such as ECONYL, where the manufacturers have partnered with the likes of fish farms to reclaim and recycle their nets. The nets are combined with recycled carpet pile, cleaned and re-made into a new nylon – and is infinitely recyclable. The new yarn can also contain abandoned nets which has been recovered through their charity partner, Healthy Seas.

We loved the fact that we could make something new from waste and were impressed with the ongoing commitment from our yarn manufacturers to seek out sustainable options.
We too help out Healthy Seas by donating a percentage of our sales to support the work they do in raising awareness of marine litter and their dive recovery programmes.

Great stuff. You recently launched a new range under license from the Ashmolean Museum. What attracted you to this brand?
The history and the wealth of artefacts and artworks within the Ashmolean Museum are vast and varied. We were also inspired by the openness of the team at the Museum and their approach for the assets to be used and applied in modern and innovative ways.

Talk us through that. What did the design process look like?
Following a visit to the museum, the team at the Ashmolean sent through images. We put these into collections and started to work up some options. We developed some of these from the photography using design software; others we re-drew by hand to give a softer feel. We also used our knowledge of what colours and patterns are commercial for flooring products.

What key factors do you have to take into consideration when developing a mats range?
Flooring types, colouring and interior trends are important considerations when developing mat products. Usage is also key… People don’t just use mats by the door, and we have a range of runners which can be used by patio or bi-fold doors. It’s an area which has seen big growth in recent years as consumers opt for open plan, family friendly room layouts.

Design-wise, what makes a good rug?
I think being mindful of usage and whether the customer wants to make a statement or simply have something that works with other soft interior products in their homes. Geometrics often work well as they give customers an option to use a mat both portrait and landscape.

Returning to the Ashmolean range, are you planning any new products for 2024?
Absolutely; the recently launched products are just the beginning, we have a number of ideas we are still working on and want to re-visit the Museum in the near future for further inspiration to uncover more treasures. We will also look to bring in more sizes if the demand is there.

Diane Daley, Founder, China Petals

Diane, first of all can you tell us a little about China Petals and the company’s history.
From humble beginnings as a side hustle in 2018, China Petals has blossomed into a thriving full-time business. It all started from a passion for transforming discarded fine china into mosaic art before going full-time in 2020.

Our first mosaic kit launched online during the pandemic and we found an audience eager to explore the art of mosaics from the comfort of their homes. In 2022, I was selected to showcase our mosaic kits at Spring Fair 2023 thanks to Theo Paphitis’s Small Business Sunday initiative.

The response to the kits at the Spring Fair was remarkable. Customers were captivated by the intricate designs, the high-quality materials and the sheer joy of having the opportunity to create mosaic at home. This success propelled China Petals into the spotlight and mosaic kits became the cornerstone of the business.

How did you become part of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday initiative?
My involvement with #SBS began with a simple tweet highlighting my mosaic kits, but the impact of #SBS extended far beyond kit sales. The exposure generated by Theo’s endorsement at Spring Fair enhanced the China Petals’ brand credibility and reputation.
In essence, #SBS has been a catalyst for China Petals’ growth and success.

Theo Paphitis’ support has empowered me to pursue my passion for mosaics and share my kits with a wider audience. The initiative has not only boosted sales but has also instilled confidence enabling me to navigate the challenges and triumphs of running my own business.

You recently launched a new range with the Ashmolean Museum. Can you give us an insight into the design development of the line?
Inspiration for the Ashmolean collection was drawn from the Museum’s vast collection of artifacts, spanning centuries and cultures. Working in close collaboration with the Ashmolean Museum team ensured a respectful representation of the artworks and alignment with the museum’s values.

Selected designs were carefully balanced to maintain artistic integrity – while ensuring they could easily be completed in mosaic kit form. The final designs were chosen to appeal to a wide range of individuals – from art enthusiasts to novice crafters – showcasing the museum’s rich history and diverse collections.

There seems to be more consumer uptake in the arts and crafts category in recent years. Why do you think this is?
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, individuals are increasingly seeking activities that foster relaxation and mindfulness. Arts and crafts provide a therapeutic outlet for self-expression and stress relief, offering a welcome respite from the constant stimulation of the digital world. As technology continues to permeate our lives, the desire for tangible experiences that engage the mind and promote focus is growing. Arts and crafts offer a fulfilling alternative to screen time, stimulating creativity and enhancing overall well-being.

Good answer! You mentioned exhibiting at the Spring Fair. What benefits do you get from attending a trade show?
As a small business, attending trade fairs like the Spring Fair has proven to be an invaluable investment. Our previous participation in the Spring Fair allowed us to expand our market reach, connect with potential customers and retailers. The face-to-face interactions provided a platform to showcase our mosaic kits and brand, generating new leads and sales. We are excited to return to the Spring Fair in 2024 to continue reaping these benefits and further establish China Petals as a leading provider of high-quality mosaic kits.

Thinking about mosaic art in a more general sense, are there particular artists or artworks that you admire?
In the world of mosaic art, Yulia Hanhansen stands out as a true inspiration. Her delicate peony mosaics, with their intricate details and vibrant colours, are a testament to her mastery of the medium. The way she captures the essence of these delicate flowers is truly beautiful.

Beyond the realm of mosaic art, Andy Warhol’s pop art creations have always fascinated me. His iconic images of Marilyn Monroe, Brillo boxes and Campbell’s soup cans have become symbols of modern culture. The bold colours and repetitive patterns of his work are both eye-catching and thought-provoking.

Returning to the Ashmolean range, are you planning any new products for next year?
Currently, we have no concrete plans to expand the Ashmolean Mosaic Range beyond the existing designs. However, we are always open to exploring new ideas and opportunities. As we continue to receive feedback from customers and partners, we may identify additional artworks or themes that would be well-suited for mosaic adaptations.