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Coastal dreams
Nikki Warren talks to Greetings Today about Netherton’s, the Cornwall-based company that supports a host of UK artists
Tell us the background of Netherton’s.
Netherton’s was established in 2010 in the heart of Cornwall by Robin and Shirley Netherton - Robin a keen photographer, and Shirley, an artist in her own right (their cards are, of course, available on the website). Starting with a handful of customers, we now have hundreds of retailers across the UK on our books. I came on board in 2018 and was given the wonderful opportunity of taking over the business when Robin and Shirley retired in 2020. It is clear you are proud of being a British company...
All our artists are based in the UK, which is a great selling point for retailers. Since the arrival of Covid, people have changed how they live, work and shop. Everything is more localised, with people supporting local businesses and a clear commitment to buy British where possible. We love the fact that we can help to support these fantastic artists.
Tell us about your commitment to the environment.
As we are situated in Cornwall, where the focus on maintaining and protecting our rugged coastline and beautiful sandy beaches is always top of the agenda. It’s a constant reminder to ensure Netherton’s is doing its very best to uphold our part of the bargain. All our card stock is responsibly sourced, our cello packaging is biodegradable, and all cards have a ‘naked’ (no cello) option. We are constantly striving towards a greener future without compromising the quality of our services and the needs of our customers. How has the past 18 months or so been for you - and have you adapted any of your products because of our unusual circumstances?
My husband and I took over Netherton’s just as lockdown came into force. Being predominantly a wholesaler, all of our customers being closed for the foreseeable future was a grim prospect. We focused hard on our online retail presence and getting our name out there, and the response was excellent. Out the other side, our priority is doing what we can to help our customers get back on their feet and stay that way.
What about new ranges?
We released our newest artist, Carolyn Tyrer, back in July. Her bright, fun and bold take on village scenes and the wildness of her coastal images translate fantastically into greeting cards. They also cater well to the male recipient in a largely female market. 2022 will see two new artists join us, and there will be new images from existing artist Diane Demirci.
How many ranges do you offer?
We currently play host to 17 artists across our Netherton’s and Netherton’s Christian cards ranges, each with their own unique style. All are available to purchase online.
What are your best-selling ranges?
Demirci and Shirley Netherton. These three lovely ladies have very different styles, ranging from Jo’s cheerful cottage style scenes, to Diane’s more pastel countrysides, and Shirley’s bright and bold ‘naive art’ depicting Cornwall at its most vivid.
Tell us a little about some of your artists.
Our artists are a mix of art and photographic, each different but incredibly talented; people bringing their individual personalities to Netherton’s.
The more whimsical George Gale and Maria Moss, the magic of Angie Livingstone, the bright florals of Amanda Dagg to the thought-provoking and emotive Paul Burgess. There is certainly something for everyone.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Being a small, family-run business affords us the luxury of providing personal, one-on-one customer service across the board. We very much enjoy talking with customers, finding out about them, and their wants/needs, and genuinely welcome any feedback they have to give. It is always a pleasure. Our art cards are 150 x 150mm or 107 x 217mm (panoramic). Our Christian cards are a mix of 150 x 150mm and 120 x 170mm, biodegradable cello wrapped or ‘naked’. All our cards are printed in the UK and on FSC board and are sold in packs of six.
