Mathilda H 42cm W 14cm

Named after my grandmother, Mathilda carries one of my most treasured childhood memories. Every summer, I stayed with her on the Belgian coast. It was there that my friends and I made colourful paper flowers to trade with other children on the beach, using shells as our currency—a joyful seaside tradition that continues to this day. Looking back, I realise those carefree days were the beginning of my lifelong love of making things by hand. My grandmother Mathilda was a woman of quiet strength. Gentle, kind and endlessly resilient, she possessed the rare ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her name, meaning "strength in battle", reflects the grace and determination with which she lived her life. This sculptural embroidered flower is a tribute to her. Its luminous yellow petals speak of warmth, optimism and sunshine, while its delicate stitched form reminds us that true strength is often found in tenderness. Like the memories she left me, Matilda celebrates love, resilience and the beauty that quietly endures across generations.