Smock London Meets Illustrator Alice Larsson

Introucing our Spring Smock Sister. Alice is a children's book illustrator, successful wig maker, professional doodler, fellow Smock lover and all round creative maven. We met up in the creative heart of London for a magical morning of doodles, watercolours, smocking and sketching

Let’s set the scene: please introduce yourself

I’m Alice, a children’s book illustrator based between London and Cornwall. I’ve been a doodler since day one, but only realised a few years ago that I could turn it into a career. I never went to art school, but I did attend wig school and went on to have a long, exciting career as a wig technician in the West End for the best part of ten years. I’ve always been drawn to the odd and unusual, I love anything morbid and whimsical. From wigs to drawings, I suppose I’ve always felt at home in the creative world.

What’s your favourite colour in your wardrobe?

My main inspiration is always looking like a Victorian governess, so white is a staple. I also love a touch of pink.

If you were to choose one female icon, dead or alive, who would you choose and why? 

I have quite a vivid imagination and spend a lot of time daydreaming, so my immediate thought was Nanny McPhee, haha - I realise she’s fictional, but she’s so lovable.

A real icon I’ve always adored is Julie London. Her elegance, combined with her music, caught my attention at a very early age. My grandad was a huge jazz fan, so listening to her always felt familiar and comforting. She has such a graceful, timeless presence.

What passions drive you?

A desire to keep art and craftsmanship alive. I see more and more of a decline in reading, sewing, painting etc, and I suppose my way of rebelling is to lean into it even more, to prove that creators play such an important role in our society and in how we feel. I truly thrive around other creatives.

If you could invite any 3 women  - dead or alive - to drinks who would you invite? What are you drinking?

Martha Stewart, Beatrix Potter, and Helena Bonham Carter. I’m not much of a drinker, so I’d much prefer for us to have a tea party.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Cancelling plans, happiest at home with my dog, and remarkably good at finding reasons not to leave it.

What are the most special moments for you during the Summer season?

As the artist I am, I can’t help but say drawing outdoors. Working from home is already a delight, but working from home outside is even better. I love discovering new colour palettes in flowers and nature, and allowing myself to step out of my comfort zone.

What will you be doing in your smocked nightdress this Summer?

My mornings always begin with a drawing session and a coffee in bed, and there’s truly nothing better than lounging around in a nightgown all day.