Artist
Tabby Booth
Tabby Booth is a Cornwall-based artist known for her bold, signature silhouettes that bridge the gap between illustration and traditional folk art. With a passion for interiors, each piece is designed with this in mind, threaded with themes of beasts, folklore, the sea, and the captivating charm of outsider art.
Her latest work draws inspiration from the ancient art of Scrimshaw, etching designs into bone and ivory, reinterpreting the tradition with modern sensibilities. Using the sgraffito technique, Tabby layers paint and wax onto wood, carving out intricate details with sharp tools to create richly textured, striking compositions. Each piece is uniquely crafted to complement a carefully sourced vintage frame, blending contemporary artistry with a sense of history and nostalgia.
After studying Illustration at Central Saint Martins, Tabby co-founded Cygnets Art School and, more recently, Sailors Jail Gallery in Falmouth with her artist husband, James Heslip.
"I’ve always had an illustrative style and been a natural designer, so have often felt quite torn between this and the more traditional painting, which I also love. I wasn’t sure for a while if I could do both, but actually I think now that the two work in harmony, and my style binds them together."
AVAILABLE ARTWORKS
Shop by Collection
SCRIMSHAW
"I have always been obsessed with folk and outsider art. I’m not so keen on things that look like things; for me it’s far more interesting when pieces have a character and style to them. Living by the sea in Cornwall, traditional maritime imagery plays a big role in my work; it’s a place so rich in history and folklore. I’ve also had a long-time passion for Inuit art, and spend a lot of time sourcing rare books on the subject, so the idea of the SCRIMSHAW collection which reflected all of these elements, seemed a very natural and exciting path to explore.
My paintings are created using the traditional Sgraffito method which, although different, has its similarities to Scrimshaw. I work straight onto wood: layering paint and wax then scratching away detail with a sharp tool." - Tabby Booth, SCRIMSHAW
