WINCHESTER .- A new initiative between Hampshire museums with designers and artists is the inspiration behind a brand-new range of contemporary designs that aims to generate previously untapped revenue opportunities.

‘Creative Commercial Collections’ is an Arts Council funded project that has connected people working in the creative industries and art world with historic objects and buildings throughout the county to inspire a broad range of eye-catching concepts.

Hampshire Cultural Trust is leading the new collaboration, working with Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton and the National Motor Museum Trust at Beaulieu, to create a series of innovative designs inspired by the county’s outstanding collections.

“We commissioned selected artists and designers to take a fresh look at certain objects held in our joint collections with the aim of creating designs that will enrich commercial products with our county’s cultural and creative heritage,” says Gwyneth Campling, Commercial Product Manager at Hampshire Cultural Trust.

She added “They have produced some stunning and highly-desirable designs – including some beautiful, but rather cheeky samplers - and we’re now at the stage where we’re looking to license them to commercial partners. We’re approaching potential licensees, and have recruited some licensing sales support. In October, we will also take Creative Commercial Collections to Brand Licensing Europe, a major trade show held at London’s Olympia.”

Ten designers have contributed to the project, including Alistair (Ali) McAuley and Paul Simmons, who are better known as Timorous Beasties. Alongside the Glaswegian duo, Hampshire’s Simon Harmer, Claire Gaudion, Tori McLean and Mariska Parent responded to a variety of different objects and settings, including the National Motor Museum’s Land Speed Record-breaking Golden Arrow, the well, bakehouse and kitchen in Jane Austen’s House Museum and the sails of Bursledon Windmill.

Gwyneth Campling again “It would be wonderful if we could license the designs for use on homewares, such as furnishing fabrics, cushions, kitchen textiles, wallpapers and on a range of stationery. Personally, I would love to see Chloe Menage’s beautiful beaded jewellery designs available as craft kits. Car enthusiasts will be drawn to Mariska Parent’s interpretation of the ‘Golden Arrow’, while Liz Lippiatt’s kaleidoscope-esque responses to photographs of Donald Campbell’s ‘Bluebird’ at Lake Eyre in Australia would make stunning wallpaper or a rather snazzy lining for a bespoke suit jacket and waistcoat.”