Middle Row of High Holborn
Introducing Middle Row by Skye Baker, winner of our latest window display competition.
Our new commissioned window display, by Skye Baker, is a celebration of the not just a shop community: both the creative community of our makers, and of the Holborn community that visit the shop.
Skye’s design depicts a scene familiar to the past and the present community of Holborn, reflecting in the window the creativity of both periods in time: artists and makers working and living in a busy London scene. Skye’s window celebrates how not just a shop houses the present and future generations of creativity in Holborn while remembering the community of makers of the past.
We catch up with Skye to learn more about what inspired her design, her challenges and her journey since graduating from UAL.
Can you outline your creative concept behind the window display and how it links with the brief of ‘community’?
I’m really interested in location based facts and history, so when I heard the theme was ‘community’, I started thinking about the artists and makers at not just a shop and wondering if there were past similar communities in the area. In my research I came across ‘Middle Row’, a 16th-century insulated block of buildings that stood in the middle of High Holborn. These buildings outrageously narrowed the street and were full of shops housing local craftsmen and makers of the time.
People working with their hands to create metal, shape wood and tailor fabric felt like a direct comparison to the makers creating for the shop today so my display features the past and present communities interacting in Middle Row.
What was your creative process for this project, and did you encounter any challenges along the way?
I came up with the concept for the presentation alongside two other ideas, as well as a timeline for how I would achieve the display practically in the time. There were a couple of considerations in terms of how the products would be prioritised visually, adjusting the size of my design and thinking about how it would stand. I then worked with the cardboard; it was actually a challenge to find strong cardboard in the size I needed and then cutting said cardboard. I then scaled up my drawings to fit the material and painted the designs.
Skye’s original three designs for the window display competition pitch.
On installation day, there were a couple of challenges, such as getting the window drawings completed in time. I also realised the curtains I had chosen for the display were too short and weren’t as visually effective, but we were able to solve these things!
What advice would you give to other illustrators and creatives looking to take on a project like this?
I would say be flexible and spend time working out how to source your materials and how to ensure they have structural integrity.
What were the steps you took to establish your career as an illustrator after graduating from Camberwell College of Arts?
My degree at Camberwell was a masters so I would say my first step came before then. I had an existing facilitation practice as my main source of income, so once I graduated I was able to go freelance. I first looked locally for some commissions as a way to establish myself. I also researched for mentoring schemes and got accepted as an AOI mentee, which was super helpful. I also made sure to look out for callouts and opportunities like this window display, and the Home brief, where I got to design a tea towel.
What is the one key thing you will take away from this project?
That I can work in 3D! And definitely for next time that my bedroom is not big enough for this kind of work!
Skye Baker is a South London artist born and raised in Croydon. Her work explores stories related to sense of community and her upbringing, using diverse mediums such as printmaking, animation and ceramics. As a workshop facilitator, she has engaged in projects that reflect her passion for community-based activism and creative engagement. Skye graduated with an MA in Illustration from UAL’s Camberwell College of Arts in 2023.