About Karen Beauchamp
Karen was born in London of Scottish descent, and trained as an Architect, giving her a fundamental appreciation of space and design. She then went to work at the BBC as a Set Designer which added new dimensions to the way that she sees the world and a passion for atmosphere.
​
In 1978, Karen started her own handprinted wallpaper company. The business specialised in reproducing wallpaper from historical documents. Her reputation grew and she was commissioned by English Heritage to make papers for Queen Victoria’s Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight, the Queen’s house Frogmore in Windsor Park, as well as many other fascinating and prestigious houses. Her first four wallpaper collections were created in 1990 and she was appointed Consultant to Cole & Son (Wallpapers) Ltd where she produced the Archive Collection from the company’s world-renowned historical archive.
​
In 2000, she became Cole’s Creative Director designing and producing 24 collections including the New Contemporary, Fornasetti, Tom Dixon & Habitat, and Vivienne Westwood. After ten highly successful years, she decided to change direction and further her personal creativity. Pursuing a freelance career, her first commissions included designing the first wallpaper collections for Miller Harris and Swarovski and leading the revival of Isidore LeRoy.
A lifetime of Artistry...
2000 – 2010
Design Director of Cole & Son (Wallpapers) Ltd.
In March 2011
Karen opened her new studio in Scotland, specialising in Printmaking and painting ‘en plein aire’.
2010 – 2011
Freelance Creative Director for Miller Harris & Swarovski Wallpaper Collections
2015
2016
2016-2017
2017-2018
Creative Consultant and Designer for Isidore Leroy – Heritage Collection
Design Consultant to Lincrusta – Heritage Wallcoverings.
​Creative consultant to Gainsborough Silk Weaving Company – Renaissance Collection
New designs for Isidore Leroy.
​
Awards
​
1992 – Decorex International – Anna Garnett Memorial Trophy for the Best New Wallcovering Collection
2004 – Elle Decoration – Awards for Best Wallpaper – London, New York and Milan
2006 – Walpole Award – Best British Luxury Brand
2009 – Nominated for Walpole Best British Luxury Design Talent
2011 – Swarovski Spirit Award for Best Product throughout the Swarovski international group of companies – the first Swarovski Elements Wallpaper Collection.
2015 – Shortlisted for Artists and Illustrators Artist of the Year with The Colours of West Kintyre.
2021 – Shortlisted for Viking Cruises British Art Prize with Flaming Forest – Highland Autumn
Exhibitions
2012 – Ardfern Art Festival / Artmap Open Studio Event / Crinan Gallery – Argyll
2013 – Artmap Argyll Open Studios
2014 – Glasgow Society of Women Artists – Lillie Gallery / Artmap Argyll Open Studios
2015 – Glasgow Society of Women Artists – Lillie Gallery – Glasgow / Artmap Argyll Open Studios
2016 – Artmap Argyll Open Studios / Glasgow Society of Women Artists – Smith Gallery, Stirling
2017 – Dorchas Gallery / Artmap Open Studios / Gigha Gallery
2018 – Artmap Open Studios / Lillie Art Gallery – Glasgow
2019 – Artmap Open Studios / The Archway Gallery – Lochgilphead
2020 – Lucy’s Art Gallery – Ardfern / The Archway Gallery – Lochgilphead
2021 – Artmap Open Studios / The Archway Gallery – Lochgilphead
2022 – Artmap Open Studios / Loch Melfort Hotel – By Oban
2023 – Resipole Gallery in Acharachle / Artmap Open Studios
