Te worktops in my studio are usualy piled high
How did you choose your studio? THIS MONTH’S STUDIO
Jane Fryers Hastings, UK
Jane Fryers, based in Hastings on England’s south coast, is an award- winning couture milliner, author and teacher. She trained with Rose Cory, milliner to the late Queen Mother, and is a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) scholar. Known for her love of vintage-inspired hats and her signature use of fish leather, Jane is a true pioneer in transforming this remarkable sustainable material into high fashion.
When we were house hunting in Hastings twelve years ago my studio was described as the “dining room” on the estate agent’s blurb, but I knew instantly it was going to be my millinery room. It’s the furthest space from the kitchen and looks out onto a bed of roses in the front garden. Roses are my favourite flowers and the inspiration for many of my fish leather creations. The light is lovely and the view never fails to lift my spirits, especially in summer when the roses bloom.
What do you have in your space?
I have a desk for my laptop, a standing desk for making, and a long worktop space in front of my fabulous, coloured drawers. My mum’s old Viking sewing machine is usually out and ready to go, although machine sewing isn’t my favourite thing. The red table, which wasn’t really meant to end up there, is now used for wrapping and packing orders. My drawers are a story in themselves. They are from a mechanic’s workshop and I bought them from Vintage Goodwood when I was DJ-ing there in full 1950s garb. My friend and I staggered to the car with them in the rain, circle skirts blowing in the wind and kitten heels sinking into the mud. I wasn’t exactly dressed for furniture removals, but it was absolutely worth it!
How does your studio space make you feel?
When I walk in first thing in the morning, I sometimes feel a bit frazzled because there’s always so much to do. Working from home means being constantly taunted by the washing, emails, and everything else that needs doing. However, once I shut the door, I feel like I’m enclosed in my own little world. I love being there - it’s warm and inviting, and I can focus and get things done in peace.
What’s a typical day for you?
There’s really no such thing as a typical day. I might be prepping to teach, working on a commission, making something for a gallery, or wrapping and posting copies of my book. I like to keep a few books wrapped and ready to post in case an order comes through while I’m away and someone else has to send it out. Every day feels different, but it’s always busy, and there’s usually something half-finished calling for my attention from a different corner of the room. Unlike most artists I know, I’m not especially creative in the mornings or daylight hours. For me, real creativity comes after dark. Give me nightfall and electric light any time!
HATalk | APR 2026
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