Anneli Fleming-Brown, at Northern Lights, tells us about her Nordic Christmas experience!
Hi Anneli
We’re delighted to have you back in person this year after your Virtual Open House last year.
Can you tell us about the name of your Open House?
I am happy to be back, in person, after our Virtual Open House in June. The name Northern Lights reflects both the winter festive season and my background. I’m half Finnish/half Scottish and grew up in a home surrounded by Scandinavian design, with yearly visits to Finland.
Jo Cranston – Stormy Weather Knitwear
What is a Nordic Christmas like?
My experience of a Nordic Christmas reflected many of the Finnish traditions including celebrating and exchanging presents on the 24th of December with family. Finns start the festive season with ‘pikkujoulu’ from the end of November onwards, having parties with friends and gifting advent calendars, so it feels right to have our Open House now. This is the darkest time in Finland, so candles are used in abundance and really important to create that special Christmas light. The environment with the snow and forests makes Christmas seem even more magical.
Anette Gidlöf – Contemporary Concrete Vases and Candleholders
What other Nordic treats will we find in your Open House?
Baking is an important part of Xmas for me, for example every year I make piparkakku (decorated spiced ginger cookies). I also make ‘pulla’ or ‘korvapuusti’ (cinnamon and cardamom buns) all year round, so thought it would be a lovely to have them available with coffee/tea and other edible gifts to take away.
Tell us a bit about your own work.
I have been an illustrator and designer for commercial clients for many years using a mixed range of media. I love colour and I am drawn to simple shapes, natural products, linen, straw and wood which can be seen in both my work and my home at the Open House also on my website scofinn.com.
Scofinn -Nordic Bird Coasters
Who else will be exhibiting with you?
I have a talented group of artists appearing at Northern Lights this year, these include:
Scofinn – Textiles, prints, cards and Scandinavian baking
Brian Britton – Ink drawings
DNA – Leather bags
Julie Ingham – Coastal prints
Martine Jans– Silver and gold jewellery
Jo Cranston – Luxury ethical knitwear and cushions
Anette Gidlöf – Contemporary concrete vases and candleholders
Kathie Murphy – Resin vases
Annabet Wyndham – Enamel and silver jewellery
Martine Jans- Silver and gold jewellery
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
We will also be featuring some handy Christmas gifts ranging from Xmas cards, honey and beeswax products, hot water bottle covers, candles and soaps and even some steel owl garden sculptures. Hopefully something for everyone!
Visit Northern Lights
29 Lancaster Rd, Brighton, BN1 5DG