Leigh P. Cook

Born and raised in Derbyshire, England, Leigh P. Cook‘s journey into the world of design was not the traditional path. Initially working as a sign printer, Leigh’s artistic talents blossomed when he began studying as a mature student at Manchester Metropolitan University. It was here that his unique eye for composition and brilliant sense of color was discovered by John Miles from the Royal Academy of Arts, leading to recognition and awards that propelled his career forward.

After graduating, Leigh’s distinctive style attracted the attention of the luxury goods house of Salvatore Ferragamo, which commissioned his work for five years. In 2001, he joined Hermès, the renowned Parisian luxury goods manufacturer, where his innovative designs and unique vision have continued to captivate audiences.

His work at Hermès has been characterized by a love for pattern, color, texture, and form. A quote from Leigh in a 2011 interview with Derbyshire Life encapsulates this beautifully: “To my eyes, all those different objects are connected in some way by their patterning, color, texture, and form. I intend to arrange them so that they will be sufficiently separated to retain their own identity but close enough to remain on friendly terms with their neighbor.”

Leigh’s innovative À vos crayons scarf design, patterned with depictions of pencils and their shavings, has become a classic at Hermès, admired for its realism and quirkiness.

Leigh’s innate connection with nature and his ability to transform everyday elements into extraordinary visuals can be seen in his Hermès scarf designs such as A walk in the park, Des fleurs pour le dire, and Fleurs et plumes. Each design reflects his impeccable attention to detail and his ability to weave intricate narratives with stunning visuals.

Other iconic designs from Leigh include the playful In the pocket, the vibrant Red berries, the dreamlike Attrape tes rêves, and the beautifully detailed Dragonflies. His floral-focused pieces, Fleurs de fuchsia, Flower power, and I like flowers, show Leigh’s ability to turn flowers into elegant, sophisticated, and luxurious designs.

In addition to his work for Hermès, Leigh also continues to make a mark in the broader art world, with exhibitions at locations such as Paul Smith’s showroom in Mayfair. Despite his success, Leigh remains grounded, producing his extraordinary designs in his humble Tin Tabernacle Studio. His journey is a testament to his relentless creativity, technical skill, and unique artistic vision.

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