Hi, I’m Leah! A Pressed Flower Artist based in Somerset, UK, and Contempfleury is the brand under which I journal and share my artwork. What sets my practice apart is the unique balance I strike between flowers and luxurious yarns, creating contemporary pieces that are truly magical. Here is the story of how Contempfleury was born:
The seeds of my business were sown a few years ago when I rediscovered my two childhood hobbies, flower pressing and embroidery, with my daughter. I longed to fuse them into something new and spent some time working between art and product, satisfying my creative urge to make gifts for friends and family.
My designs developed from art influenced by the great Botanists of the eighteenth century to children’s designs that blurred the lines between vintage and contemporary, and my brand ‘Contempfleury’ was born. My designs reflect childhood memories, such as listening to ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ stories, with less apparent inspirations. I worked part-time in a medical practice and became fascinated by the way social prescribing to improve patient outcomes had gained pace. I became fascinated with the idea that connectivity improves and creates happiness and wanted to incorporate the concept into my art. Art has been far more potent than just a picture to adorn a wall; it can also be a vehicle to connect families and build happy memories.
My daughter and I had written many stories together as I taught her how to story write. I would write the first sentence, she would write the next, and I would challenge her to think of the craziest thing she could think of. We would start quite classic and then give our tales almighty twists. I decided to fuse this connectivity with my art and write the first chapter of a story to accompany art prints, followed by lots of prompts to discuss and write the ending the way you want it to! These prompts spark creativity and imagination, inspiring parents and children to invent new chapters night after night. Memories and products that would last a lifetime and beyond!
Contempfleury art is not just a product, it’s a labor of love. Each piece is meticulously crafted, using only the finest materials that are designed to last for generations. I select museum quality papers that withstand fading for up to 200 years, an ink printing process that uses premium pigment inks, and luxurious blends of silk and alpaca yarns. The symmetry and structure of the embroidery stitches are juxtaposed with the romantic, soft edges of the flower and petals. This unique combination is what give Contempfleury it’s signature style.
Flower pressing has become an obsession. I press page upon page of flowers and experiment with their anatomy. I dissect individual petals, stigmas, leaves, ovaries, and stems to achieve the best-pressed specimens. Each year, I concentrate on growing one or two particular flower types and repeat the pressing process until I perfect it. I am only satisfied when I achieve a delicate papery flower preserved to the standard I’m looking for.
My love for luxurious yarns stems from my early career background in handknitting for Vogue Knitting and Rowan Yarns. I also have an MA in Constructed Textiles from the Royal College of Art, London; my DNA is rather woolly! I knew it would make me happy to use luxurious fibres with my flowers, so I did, and each contributed equally to my style.
Don’t Miss a Thing
Join the Contempfleury community on Etsy, Instagram , and Pinterest for a glimpse into the world of pressed flower art. Be the first to see new creations, get inspired, and be a part of our artistic journey. We value your support and feedback, and we can’t wait to share our passion with you.
Like an artist might use a paintbrush, Pressed Flower Artist, Leah uses page upon page of flowers and ball upon ball of wool to add colour to her world and the Contempfleury portfolio. I hope you enjoy it!
