A few of you asked that I share my story, so here goes... I'm Bert, the Founder of Bert & Buoy. I'm a graphic artist and illustrator - obsessed with minimal realism, graphic lines and tessellating patterns.

I live and work in South Devon with my other half Lisa (aka the 'Buoy') and our two wild kids. Devon is the place that inspires me to make new things every day and to dream big for the future. I can’t imagine living and working anywhere else. When I'm not in our studio or shop, you'll find me at the beach!

I had this idea of creating an original twist on nautical homeware back in summer 2015, so I started sketching ideas and just 8 weeks later – and after a few long nights - we launched Bert & Buoy with a pop up stall at the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta. The reaction blew me away! It motivated me to make more, to illustrate my heart out and to work tirelessly to create original products for our first online store bertandbuoy.com

When it came to scouting out locations for a physical shop, we knew that Dartmouth was the place to be. It's here that I happened upon the old fishmongers at 24 Fairfax Place. Working with reclaimed materials, we created a uniquely nautical store. We opened November 2018 and since then have welcomed thousands of people through our doors. Roll on April when we can welcome even more with our #NauticalNiceness.  

Right now, I'm most excited about the imminent launch of an extra special watch collaboration with Marloe Watch Company, more marvellous mugs with master of ceramics Keith Brymer Jones and the opening of the new THAT Property Group development - the Hampton by Hilton Torquay featuring my art (woah!). The hotel will also feature the first ever Bert & Buoy concession!

There's SO MUCH I want to do with Bert & Buoy, new art, new products and new ways to reach all of you with our message of joyful coastal living... and I love how you can all come along for the ride by following this blog, my instagram, Facebook and twitter. Thank you for every follow, like and comment!