Start Licensing signs quintessentially British artist Julie Dodsworth

The acclaimed artist, Julie Dodsworth has signed up with Start Licensing as she looks to expand her consumer products portfolio across new categories.

Recognised as a quintessentially British brand, Dodsworth’s work evokes her love of her Narrowboat Calamity Jane, the British waterways, all things floral and the folklore of passing-by boats.

Dodsworth is already well-established in the licensing sector, having worked with a range of high profile licensees and manufacturers and with partners including Barbour, Churchill China, Canova and My Gifts Trade.

Her style is known for its use of traditional methods to create designs. Mixing with only three colours and one brush, she stays true to her folk art. Dodsworth has created a number of design collections including The Flower Girl, The Lavender Garden , Daisy Daisy , Honey Bee and Hygge Figgy.

Alongside her daughter Beth, Dodsworth has developed a wholesale distribution operation that is blended with the licensing business. This presents opportunities to licensees to kickstart sales. She has worked with licensees to broaden their portfolio and exhibits at tradeshows such as the Spring Fair in Birmingham and the Harrogate Gift Fair.

Ian Downes from Start Licensing, said: “Julie Dodsworth has already created a licensing programme that is a proven success and has achieved great results. Her artwork is fresh, contemporary and reflects her warm personality.

“We are looking forward to working with Julie to build on the solid foundations her and Beth have created. It is great to have the opportunity to work directly with a rights holder who is creative and proactive. We look forward to working in close partnership with existing and new licensees giving them access to Julie’s design talents, experience and sales acumen. “

Start Licensing’s primary role will be to develop new business in categories such as publishing, crafting, food and food gifting , seasonal gifting, apparel and homewares. Further to this Start Licensing will work with Julie and Beth Dodsworth to develop brand collaborations and retail activations.

“Start Licensing has a great track record of working in a focussed and targeted way. We look forward to developing product ideas in tandem with Julie which will inspire licensees and licensing,” addd Downes. “We will take an added value approach to this opportunity and our ambition is to build a real spirit of partnership between all those involved in the programme.”

Julie and Beth Dodsworth will be exhibiting at the Harrogate Home & Gift Fair between July 14 and 17 this year at Stand DP2-48.