Meet the Maker - Michelle Mason at Mason & Painter

In this 'Meet the Maker' edition, I chat to Michelle Mason, founder of Mason and Painter  - vintage stylist, painter and writer, at her East London studio. Long standing friend of the brand, from the moment I visited her first shop in Columbia Road, I felt 'at home' amongst her charming selection of joyful and well-worn finds and the resonance of shared style, from a love of vintage woven into modern style...

There's a lightness of touch about a Mason and Painter interior, refreshingly natural and loosely 'put together.' Undoubtedly feminine, yet without a trace of twee. From richly patterned earthenware and gardenalia, to the stacks of archival papeterie, all have a story beyond their visual charm. Flowers feature heavily, from blousy oils to Michelle's fresh, modern paintings, a mix of old and new that blend seamlessly. So it was no surprise to find out Michelle's background had the same appreciation for modern and antiquity; with a degree in contemporary graphic design and illustration that led her to a job at the National Gallery where her interest in vintage art history was shaped. After many years curating her own shop space in Columbia Road, Michelle now has four books under her belt, paints and creates the most exquisite pages on her website store whilst continuously finding vintage treasures for her unique pop-ups. 

What inspired you to create Mason and Painter? And how would you describe the essence of your style? I studied graphic design at Central St Martins and worked in digital media, building websites and freelancing as an illustrator and surface pattern designer. But I felt disillusioned with the design industry and wanted to try something totally different. An opportunity came up to rent a shop on Columbia Road with a short lease, and I took a leap of faith. I filled the shop with vintage furniture, books, paintings, and decorative antiques—anything that caught my eye. I styled it with flowers and plants from the Sunday Flower Market, and it struck a chord with people looking for vintage and reclaimed objects for their homes.

Can you describe the vibe and why you love Columbia Road ? 
A community of amazing people and independent businesses. I felt very fortunate to have landed there - I ended up having  a shop on Columbia Rd for 10 years. The flower market adds another dimension and it’s such a happy vibe with all the traders, plants and flowers.

A natural eye - stepping into a Mason and Painter interior, is like visiting a lived in home - spontaneous, playful, with a natural mix of objects effortlessly placed, in colours and patinas of warmth and homeliness.

Why are you are drawn to the pieces you buy?
I love the history and the stories that each piece carries with it. I’m drawn to ceramics, small pieces of furniture - anything with patina, craftsmanship and colour. I buy a lot of paintings and tend to go for seascapes, landscapes and midcentury pieces. As well as florals - my customers love paintings of flowers.

Where do you go for inspiration?
I backpacked around south and central America several times in my 20s and 30s and find that part of the world fascinating. I’ve been to Africa, much of Europe and Australia and Singapore so I feel like I’ve had my fair share of air miles. I enjoy going to Spain (I speak Spanish) and France and buy a lot of French vintage. I’m looking forward to going back to Italy too - I love Italian food - and I want to discover more of the UK and Ireland. 

What do you look for in clothes and why did you like wearing the pieces from the JT collection?
My job often entails wandering around muddy fields at dawn, looking for vintage treasure in baggy jeans and boots so I enjoy dressing up whenever I get the chance. I love pattern clashes, quirky pieces and vintage and if I buy new it's always from a small independent label. I loved wearing the JT collection because I rarely wear skirts and I fell in love with the stripy linen and the rose skirts - it was great to get to try on pieces that I don't have in my wardrobe and I think the new JT collection is so wearable - even with my muddy boots.

I loved how Michelle effortlessly took one of her many vintage scarves and used it for a sash belt around the Bobbie 'Brocante' skirt. 

What tips would you give to someone who wants to start bringing your style to their home?  
My book Love Vintage would be a good starting point and my brand new book Independent Shops London is available to pre-order. It has a section on Columbia Road and features many of my favourite shops in the capital. Also, sign up for my newsletter where I share interior inspiration and vintage tips and styling ideas.  https://michellem.substack.com/