Auree Admires | Imogen Pope
Imogen is a British designer and founder of Imogen Pope London, home to lampshades, bases, and delicately embroidered textiles for interiors that appreciate the impeccably made. She shares her story about building her brand and what it means to juggle family life with running her own business.
What would a typical day be for you?
A typical day involves a very busy start. I have three daughters; two are at school, so I get them up and ready and then off to school. I try to wake up slightly earlier than them so I can have a little bit of time to get myself ready, as that always improves my day! After they are dropped off at school, I come home, make myself a delicious coffee and start my working day. My days are super varied, which I love. I could be talking to customers or interior designers about projects or meeting with my amazing lampshade-making team. Once the girls are home from school or clubs, it's a wonderfully hectic time. I usually finish my day with a cup of chamomile tea in front of the TV, clearing my inbox before bed.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
I love the design process, so I love dreaming up new fabrics, sketching, testing them, getting the colours and textures just right, and then seeing them transform as they are used to make lampshades. It is so exciting when you have something in your mind for so long and then you put it out into the world and see how people style it in their homes.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Everywhere and anywhere. I take a lot of inspiration from nature. I find it’s the best place to get inspiration for colour combinations and patterns. Mother Nature knows best!
Your favourite weekend retreat would be....
I would head to Suffolk and go straight to Pump Street Bakery in Orford in the morning for a coffee and some of their incredible pastries. We’d head to the beach in Aldeburgh for a walk and breathe in that sea air. I might pop into Thompson’s Art Gallery for a look around. I grew up in Suffolk and lots of my friends live there now, so ending the day with friends in a pub would be ideal.
Who do you admire most and why?
I really admire teachers. They do one of the hardest and most important jobs in educating our children, often without much recognition. You always remember the good teachers and the feeling of self-belief they gave you.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Don’t rush it.” If you want to create something you’re truly proud of and that aligns with your brand ethos, you can’t rush the process. Quality takes time. In the past, I’ve hurried launches or developed products to fit someone else’s timeline, and I wasn’t happy with the end result - I needed more time. Now I wait until I’m completely happy before I put anything out into the world.
I am trying to apply this to my personal life too. I have a tendency to always be planning the next thing and looking ahead to what’s coming. I’m learning that being present and appreciating where I am is far better. I’m not perfect at it yet, but I’m working on it!
What are you most proud of?
Aside from my beautiful family, which I am so proud of, I am most proud of launching my business, Imogen Pope London. The Imogen of 4 years ago would be beyond excited to see where it is now.
Where would we find you at the weekend?
Ferrying my children between all their various clubs! But if I have some time to myself, I would head over to West London. I lived in Ladbroke Grove for years and absolutely love it. I would take a stroll down Golborne Road, it is my favourite place to buy homeware. I would of course stop at Arte House, which has the most incredible curated selection of art as well as my lampshades.
What’s in store for Imogen Pope London this year?
Lots! We are launching brass lighting, which has been in the works for years. I cannot wait to get it out there, as well as a new fabric and lampshade collection. I feel like this might be our most exciting year yet!
What Auree piece would be on your Birthday list?
Oh my goodness — so many things! I love the birthstone necklace as I’m into astrology, and I adore the St Ives Sterling Silver Knot Bangle. I have just spotted Auree’s new Fernshaw hoop earrings.
