My Mother & Me
& our new Loving Cup collaboration...
My Mother & Me
To celebrate the new Loving Cup designed by my wonderful mother - painter and gardener, Kate Corbett-Winder; my team spoke with us both to find out a little more about us and our very special bond that includes a love of flowers, of course…
Kate on her daughter, Willow
What three words describe Willow?
Generous, loving, sensitive
What was Willow like as a young child? And as a teenager?
She loved dressing up. I remember bringing new born Tom, her youngest brother, back from hospital where she greeted us dressed as a bride in a long white evening dress, having roped Ned, aged 2, into being her page boy. She had just been a bridesmaid so was in a wedding fever. As a teenager she loved parties, excitements, friends and new clothes - and wasn’t thrilled when her school friends went south to London and she’d been sent a rail ticket back to Wales
Would you describe Willow as ‘green fingered’ in her younger years?
No, she wasn’t an especially green fingered child, though she did collect petals to squish into scent potions. But she was irritated by my compulsive dead heading if we were in the garden together
What do you think Willow might have been if not a florist and author?
She would definitely have done something creative - as a fashion or interior designer
What qualities do you admire in Willow in her role as a mother herself?
I hugely admire the commitment she gives to Wolf, Rafferty & Kit. Managing to be chirpy at dawn, breakfast before the school run; knowing what goes on in their lives and lessons and who their friends are - and how much genuine fun they have together - she is constantly on a touchline in all weather cheering them on
If you could spend one day with Willow all to yourself, what would you do together…?
We’d probably talk about doing something extravagant and luxurious but in reality we’d happily end up going for a huge walk in the country talking non stop or going very slowly round a garden examining everything
What is Willow always talking about?
We talk endlessly about favourite flowers, usually tulips and dahlias, favourite clothes. When it comes to wardrobe issues, she is my fiercest and most loyal adviser!
What is Willow’s favourite flower? And Season?
I’d say Solomons Seal which flowers in early May, and late Spring is her favourite season
“We’d happily end up going for a huge walk in the country talking non stop or going very slowly round a garden examining everything.”
What would you never find in Willow’s home or garden?
Rubber gloves that don’t have a hole in them (or Windolene!)
Kate - can you please tell us about your Loving Cup design…
I’m so honoured that Willow asked me to design a Loving Cup. This design was the last one I created - it’s a simplified more abstract version of several flowery themes I tried out. I thought it was too much of a doodle, but Willow insisted it was her favourite so I’m THRILLED and it will be in constant use on the kitchen table as a vase
Willow on her mother, Kate
What three words describe your mother?
Inspirational, kind and a creative genius
What is your most vivid childhood memory of your mother?
Either weeding, covering us in suncream or taking us on very long walks!
What do you admire most in your mother?
There is literally nothing she cant do. She’s a writer, a gardener, a painter, incredible cook, editor, best mother, always there for me when I need her. She’s incredible in every sense of the word; kind, patient, creative, funny..
What is your mother’s favourite flower?
She loves a really beautiful, scented garden rose. Preferably a soft pink one
Have you inherited your mother’s talent for painting? Could this be in your future?
No! I’m hoping maybe I’ll be a late starter?!
What do your siblings tease your mother about?
How she thinks ’nuts and raisins’ are the answer to everything
If you could spend one day with your mum, just the two of you, what would you do together…?
Our dream day together would involve walking, coffee, looking at pottery in the Ashmolean, reading bulb catalogues, weeding and non stop chat
“She loves a really beautiful, scented garden rose. Preferably a soft pink one…”
Tell us about your love of a Loving Cup and the new design created by your mother. What do you plan to fill it with this Mother’s Day month?
I don’t know what it is about Loving Cups that I love so much. I fell in love with an antique pink lustre one when I was small and been mad about them ever since. I love collaborating with artists on product and as our first Loving Cup collab, obviously she was my first choice!
You can read our 2023 interview with Kate here.
