Meet Annie
Get to know the magic behind Westcott & Williams
How it all began
In September 2017, I opened my little shop in The Old Quarter of Dorking and have loved every minute since! In fact, I don’t feel I’ve worked for the last three years because I’m one of the incredibly lucky few who love what they do.
I paint, chat to people about paint, teach people to paint, paint for people … and of course I do it all using the best paint in the world ... Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
Meet the maker
I started painting just over seven years ago when we moved to a little cottage in the village of Westcott. Once we’d had all the boring (but necessary) work done on the house, it didn’t leave much money for new furniture or pretty bits and pieces, so our existing furniture got a makeover using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. The first thing I painted was an old ‘orange’ pine blanket box (now Antibes Green) and my IKEA Billy Bookcase. I was hooked! I then started painting for friends and family before deciding to step off the edge, leave my “proper job” of 14 years and paint furniture for a living.
Paint everything beautiful.
Workshops
I love running my small workshops in my studio. Located in the back of the shop, I will share lots of tips and techniques with you so you will leave with the skills and confidence to transform your furniture … and a whole lot more! You’ll learn how to finish a piece professionally, as well as when to apply different styles and techniques including:
Colour mixing
Creating texture
Two-colour distressing
Modern, contemporary finish
Working with soft wax.
The workshops are limited to just four people (during the pandemic) … even better for sharing tips, asking questions and learning a new skill.
Workshop days are my favourites! I like to think I’m inspiring people to breathe new life into their old furniture - quickly, cheaply and effectively. I love it when my workshoppers send me their ‘before and after photos'. No matter how big or small the project, I love hearing from them - it’s proof to me that they have learnt a new skill and are proud of what they’ve achieved.
My workshops are really fun and informative - but don’t take my word for it! Here is what my workshoppers say about them.
Why Westcott & Williams?
My little business is called Westcott & Williams.
‘Westcott’ is the beautiful village we live in, which is just a short walk through the breathtaking Surrey Hills for me to get to work.
‘Williams’ is my maiden name.
I’m also called Annie and it always makes me chuckle when people ask if I’m Annie Sloan. I’m not … but I’m proud to say she taught me how to paint and perhaps even more importantly, she taught me how to teach you!
