mydeco.com in conversation with Jo, from HAM.

How did you decide on the name, HAM?
It’s actually my maiden name... and as the brand’s protagonist is a Pig it felt like a good fit!
What's the ethos behind your brand?
Unexpected moments from the contented lives of a pig, a horse and a rabbit - all captured on a range of thoughtfully crafted and 100% British made wares.
Where do you find your inspiration?
From the everyday, in particular British quirks and childhood memories. Growing up I was constantly drawing the characters and landscapes that surrounded me. Naturally living on a farm meant animals were often a subject... and with the name Jo Ham pigs in particular became a focus.
What is your most prized possession?
Tough question... would have to be either my Anglepoise lamps or a ribbon tapestry I did 10 years ago. It took me months to stitch the silk into a set of found hand drawn plans of a table... consequently I became very attached to the piece!
How would you sum up your personal style in one word?
Uncomplicated
Can you explain a little more about how you make your products?
I’m passionate about supporting British industry and so have spent time carefully selecting UK suppliers to help craft my products. HAM is proud to say that its fine bone china mugs are created by a pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, the greeting cards are printed by a press in Worcestershire, all fabric goodies are Lincolnshire made and the screen prints are hand pulled in my London studio.
What would you say is your hero product?
HAM’s Bouncing Rabbit screen print. It’s the ears.