Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2017 (Issue 104)

Where does the name, Tilnar Art, come from? Tilnar stands for ‘This Is Life Not A Rehearsal’ it’s an acronym and I wholeheartedly believe you should, where possible, work in areas that you’re passionate about and enjoy. When did Tilnar Art start up? What was the reason for setting up this business? Tilnar Art was formed in 2005. I gave up a career as a successful London solicitor to form the company as I wanted to help many of the artists I’d met on various trips to Zimbabwe. I didn’t want to continue my career as a solicitor as I wanted a more even work/life balance and a career that would allow me to see my family grow up as This is Life Not a Rehearsal . What’s the point doing a job you will enjoy or are passionate about next time? How has Tilnar Art developed over time? Tilnar Art has remained focused on its African roots. It expanded after buying the remaining parts of Besmos’ business in 2010, which was a large ethical supplier. Our focus is always on our artisans and producing a quality and one-of-a-kind product. What parts of Africa do your products come from? Our products derive mainly from Zimbabwe, Kenya and South Africa. We also source products from Jerusalem. Tell us about your product offering and about being a supporter and go-to company for Fair Trade items. We’re a small team of people who do their utmost to give you the best. We try hard to ensure that you receive a product that’s hand-made, original and profoundly different to others in the market place. Tilnar Art has revolutionised the perception of home accessories from Africa, or inspired by Africa, into one that can be mainstream without losing its place in today’s home. When designing a product and eventually adding it to our collection we do our best to visualise it in the modern home. We never lose sight of the eventual consumer and the retailer. We travel thousands of miles every year to find you products that give you the edge and maintain our increasing number of artisans by providing them regular and sustainable trade. Today, Tilnar Art continues to expand and support more disadvantaged producers. What’s your current best seller? One of our newest products – our Champagne Grey Collection – has been amazing for us and our retailers, so much so, we sold out in certain lines after just six weeks of being in the country. Our fresh new Champagne Grey contemporary pattern range from Kenya is sparklingly on trend with the handcrafted designs, they’ll fit into any home. These beautiful etched stone sculptures make a perfect gift. These sculptures have been carved in Kiisi in Kenya for more than 60 years. Kiisi Stone is soft and varies in colour from white to rose and even grey. Carvers work in small groups with each group specialising in certain carvings. The carvings are then polished and dyed in the Champagne Grey hue and beautiful etchings inscribed in them by skilled teams of artisans. What values are important to Tilnar? Tilnar Arts’ main aim is to promote hand- made and fair trade products primarily made in Africa to the UK market. Our aim is to try and ensure producers are treated fairly and Tom Hawes, Director of Tilnar Art, firmly believes that you should follow your heart and do what you love life lessons 30 giftfocus