Sheridan Life

A man stands, smiling with his arms crossed in front of a red and white check print background. His shirt and pants are in the same matching pattern.

Meet the Maker: Batteau

For our fourth and final instalment of this season’s Meet the Maker series, we’re chatting with our textile designer, Marc. Marc has been part of our in-house design team for eight years, and today we’re highlighting his Batteau print – a crowd favourite in our Spring Summer ‘24 collection.

A bright and playful check pattern available in two summer-ready colours, we’ve showcased Batteau throughout our beach towels and accessories this season. Perfect for brightening up your next beach day.

So, Marc, how did you decide to pursue a career in design?

I grew up in a small country village in Scotland and our school was tiny, literally 25 kids in the whole school. Our head teacher was from an arts background so everything creative was encouraged. This really immersed me into so many creative fields at such a young age which I absolutely loved.

I was always painting and drawing as a kid, so I kind of knew early on I would like to work in art and design in some form or another. Textile design felt like a good fit as it can merge art and design in the same product. As much as I love the artistic side, I also enjoy the problem-solving side of design and the challenge of the constraints we have to work within.

Tell us a little bit about how you approach a new design?

It always starts with research. I’ll look in the usual places and then try to look in some unexpected areas not necessarily linked to print and pattern. Once I’m happy with the inspiration I’ve gathered and I’m happy that it fits with our seasonal direction, I’ll collate it all. Working from these mood boards, I’ll start to work through some initial concepts. This will then be refined working with the broader design team.

Once we land on a design, I’ll finalise the colour back to our seasonal palette. Then I’ll make sure the design is production ready to head off to the factory for production.

What inspired Batteau? Is there any element that you’re most fond of?

The initial concept for Batteau came from found and remembered objects – in particular, I was inspired by retro raffia chairs, and I loved the idea of combining a childhood memory I had of them with found imagery.

I love Batteau’s striking colour, it’s a bit of a statement, combined with its classic check design.

Want to bring a piece of Batteau home?

Marc’s Batteau design is available as a beach towel, beach hat, beach poncho, tote bag and coordinating pouch. A perfect gift for the beach-lovers in your life (or for yourself).