Celebrating International Women’s Day
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the remarkable women behind Graham and Green – Lou Graham. As a key figure in guiding our brand’s journey and aesthetic, Lou’s influence is woven into the very fabric of our collections and offering. Join us for an intimate Q&A as Lou shares insights into her role, her inspirations and, of course, her favourite picks from our collection and why they resonate with her. From unique furnishings that speak to our artisanal roots to decorative items that capture the essence of elegance and empowerment, each product reflects the qualities we admire in the incredible women around us. Let’s celebrate the strength, creativity, and passion of women everywhere, starting with a look at the favourites of one of our own.
Who have been your biggest influences, both personally and professionally, as you’ve navigated the world of interiors and design?
Growing up in the early eighties, my mother would tell my sister and me that she was not encouraged to stay at school by her parents; and I found that incomprehensible. I just couldn’t understand it. Later in life when circumstances changed for her, she applied to the Theological College at Oxford University as a mature student and trained to become a vicar, later being ordained, in the days when women vicars were still rare. Her determination to carve her own path has inspired me personally in my own life. Professionally, I hold huge admiration for my mother-in-law Antonia, who founded G&G. Her desire to bring a different kind of riches to people’s lives has been equally inspiring to me. I have learnt from her tenacity and her artistic eye, and I will always be grateful that I shared part of my life with these two amazing women.
Reflecting on your journey with Graham and Green, what have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced and the triumphs you’ve celebrated?
For me, the biggest challenge has been carving out the right balance between running a business and being a mother. In the early years I carried around quite a lot of guilt and felt torn between both roles, often feeling I wasn’t doing either particularly well. It took time to strike the right balance. Most of our team at G&G are women, and I am so pleased that the majority of our mothers feel they can come back to work at G&G in a capacity that works for them after having children. If we can provide a workplace where their professional lives can be satisfying, then I am really pleased.
Current favourite G&G product and source of inspiration?
Jamie has travelled to India multiple times a year since I have known him, and when we had our son Max I would stay at home with him. It was only in recent years that Max and I joined Jamie on trips to India. At a vintage fair in Somerset, we picked up some sweet vintage embroideries that we used as a base for a range of textiles that is launching soon. Creating products as a family makes me really happy.
Whose house would you love to snoop in?
My friends will agree that I am completely clueless when it comes to the celebrity world, but I am inquisitive by nature and am so intrigued by what happens behind the closed shutters of those seemingly sleepy French villages, or the giant Parisian doors guarding a secret world behind them. I love to look through windows wherever I wander, seeing if I can spot a G&G product in a home and I am happiest when conjuring up my own stories about those dwelling in these spaces. I would love to hear our customers’ stories about their connections to the things they have in their homes, especially what our products mean to them.
What song could be the soundtrack to your life?
Both Sides Now, Joni Mitchell. As we all know too well, life is full of nuance, unknowns and sometimes the inexplicable but there will always be clouds, no matter what, and endless things to discover, and as sure as time passes, the sun will always appear once the clouds have dissipated. I love getting lost in the lyrics of Joni’s songs; the listener can bring their own meaning and interpretations, and there are always powerful metaphors to be found if you are open to them.