About Us

I worked for the Lakeland Arts Trust at Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Blackwell for 12 years. As well as promoting the gallery and three museums, I was the in-house designer producing all promotional literature and exhibition catalogues. From Blackwell I moved on to take up an exciting new challenge, working for Lord and Lady Cavendish, as Marketing Manager for Holker Hall and Estate.

At Holker I was involved in all aspects of markeing, PR aand design for this magnificent Estate. Cartmel Racecourse, caravan parks, property and retail and catering were all under my remit. But I found promoting the homely hall, romantic gardens and annual Garden Festival the most satisfying and rewarding part of the job.

While at Holker I undertook the research for and produced a re-design of the whole Estate website. Although I did not technically make the site work (that was too big a job including online ticket sales) I created all the page designs, copy and content. Working with the web designers, HCI York, I had training in Flash and content management.

In 2008, as the recession was beginning, I went freelance setting up Early Bird Design Associates.

A little background...

17 years experience - PR, marketing, design, website design & fundraising mainly for arts organisations, charities & attractions including:

• PR & press for Year of Visual Arts 1996

• 12 years at Lakeland Arts Trust (Abbot Hall Art Gallery & Museum, Kendal Museum and Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House): Senior manager - PR, marketing, websites, catalogue and leaflet design. Major role in the fundraising, restoration and promotion of Blackwell.

• Holker Estate (Holker Hall, Holker Garden Festival, Cartmel Racecourse, Holker Caravan Parks): Estate Marketing Manager - PR, press, marketing, websites and leaflet design.

I have a BA (hons) Fine Art degree and a PGCE Adult Education certificate, which I put to use teaching adults at Gateshead College and Acklington Prison.

My particular passion for working in the arts, education and charities sectors has been channeled into the work I do for the Brewery Arts Centre, Bigland Equestrian riding school, Senhouse Roman Museum and Bay Search & Rescue.

My love of food has led to working with some fantastic local Cumbrian food producers, including Cartmel Cheeses and Hazelmere Cafe and Bakery in Grange - over - Sands.

I am a keen gardener and photographer, and always happiest when I am out sketching in the countryside.

Unless otherwise captioned, the photos on this site are my own. Photos of me on this page by John Kitching, Glynis Bland & Debbie Bond.