With recent commissions for products to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III in May, and a CV and a work ethic that would be the envy of many creatives of his generation, Rory Hutton has much to celebrate.

Since starting his business in 2013 with handmade Irish linen bow ties, the Cambridge-based artist, printmaker, and historian’s career has gone from strength to strength, leading to collaborations with over 30 major heritage and retail institutions at home and abroad.

Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, The Royal Opera House, Victoria & Albert Museum, National Theatre, Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in California, and Fortnum & Mason of Piccadilly and Brown Thomas, Dublin, are among some of Rory’s notable clients.

In the January 2023 edition of The English Home, Rory was awarded a New Year Honour in the ‘Rising Stars’ category. Previous awards include Ion Magazine Breakthrough Awards winner and runner-up in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Over the last five years, Rory has designed over 100 silk scarves, featuring bold linocut illustrations and block colours, most of them commissioned by clients to celebrate major exhibitions, events, and anniversaries, including a Queen Elizabeth II commemorative scarf commissioned by Westminster Abbey, and Feminine Power: The Divine to the Demonic for The British Museum. Rory’s most recent collection has been inspired by the 400th anniversary this year of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio, widely regarded as one of the most significant literary treasures in the world. The range is stocked by the National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Westminster Abbey, and The British Museum.

From making bow ties in my home studio in Wimbledon and achieving considerable success with my silk scarves to receiving a thrilling commission to design a range of items to celebrate the King’s coronation, it has been a hugely rewarding decade for me. At the heart of my work – essentially, guiding it for every item – are a commitment to reinterpret historical themes for modern audiences, and a joy in creating visually striking and culturally relevant designs.
— Rory Hutton

Now his signature product, with particular designs selling out on his website, the scarves caught the eye of Homes & Antiques Magazine, which described them as ‘worthy collectables.’

History Meets Fashion: The King Charles III Coronation Scarf

Designed exclusively for Westminster Abbey by award winning designer Rory Hutton. The official King Charles III Coronation scarf commemorates the first coronation to take place at the Abbey in 70 years. This classic silk scarf takes inspiration from the oak leaves and birds represented on the coronation chair, the Abbey’s medieval tiles and the heraldic animals and plants which symbolise the four nations that make up the United Kingdom. Created from Rory’s signature linocut illustrations, this intricate medieval inspired design is resplendent in a vintage style colour palette of red, white and blue. The borders are emblazoned with the names of the King and Queen as well as the coronation date.

I have been very fortunate to work with many internationally renowned institutions and wonderful individuals and as my career continues to develop, I look forward to many more successful collaborations.
— Rory Hutton

Rory’s charitable work includes designing Christmas cards for The Hands Up Foundation to raise funds for medical centres and schools in Syria and Lebanon; and designing crowdfunding awards for The Art Fund’s ‘Conserve Canaletto’ campaign.

As his business enters its second decade, Rory plans to move into interior design, encompassing tablecloths, napkins, wallpapers, and upholstery fabrics – both, for the home and the UK and international hospitality sector – all of which will be informed by his deep love of art, craft, and heritage.

Rory Hutton
https://roryhutton.co.uk

Rory Hutton is an award-winning, Cambridge-based artist, print maker, and historian. Drawing upon his many inspirations, including architecture, theatre, opera, and dance, his collections of luxury silk scarves – featuring lively lino cuts and bold block designs – are testament to the strength of his passion for beautiful things and creative flair.

Since 2018, Rory Hutton has designed over 100 silk scarves for many of the UK’s most prestigious arts and heritage institutions, including the Royal Opera House, The Royal Collection, British Museum, Westminster Abbey, and Victoria & Albert Museum, in response to their collections, performances, and exhibitions.

Rory was commissioned by Westminster Abbey in 2022 to create a scarf to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee; and in the same year, Rory designed scarves for The World of Stonehenge exhibition at the British Museum; Japan: Courts and Culture at The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace; a range of merchandise for Glasgow’s Burrell Collection, which has reopened its doors after a six-year refurbishment project; inspired! at Guildhall Art Gallery in the City of London; and a scarf for Kew Gardens, inspired by their Victorian Lily House, a collaboration with Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge.

In the run-up to the 2022 festive season, Rory has designed Christmas cards for Highgrove House, the private residence of King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort; Dumfries House, The Noel Coward Archive, and the Royal Opera House.

His most recent collection has been inspired by the 400th anniversary in 2023 of the publication of William Shakespeare’s First Folio, widely regarded as one of the most significant literary treasures in the world. The range will be stocked by the National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Westminster Abbey and British Museum.

Rory enjoys reinterpreting historical themes and imbuing them with a contemporary twist. Many of his favourite historical and literary figures, including Louis XIV (‘The Sun King’), Madame de Pompadour, Marie Antoinette, Queen Elizabeth I, Vita Sackville-West, and Noel Coward, have provided the inspiration for some of his scarves.

Rory’s collections include ties, pocket squares, socks, and his signature bow ties. His prints have been licensed by museums and galleries for use on a number of complementary products, including tote bags, ceramics, stationery, greetings cards, and soap.

Rory’s work and career have been featured in many leading publications, including Tatler, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, House & Garden, Country Life, Homes & Antiques, The Irish Times, Men’s Health, Savile Row Style Magazine, Attitude, and Time Out (London).

All images courtesy of Rory Hutton Ltd.

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