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Interview with Larry Walshe – Founder of Larry Walshe Studios and Bloom

This week we caught up with Larry Walshe – Founder of Larry Walshe Studios and Bloom

Tell us a little about Larry Walshe Studios and when did you decide you wanted to be a florist?

I was working as a wedding planner, and I became frustrated by what was being offered in the marketplace and felt like wedding design should be treated in a similar vein to interior design. When you commission someone to transform your home, you receive a full design service – when you are creating wedding florals, you get an A4 piece of paper with some text and numbers on it – occasionally, pictures if you were lucky. I didn’t feel this was right and wanted to offer a full design service experience to my clients so I felt that if I thought I could do it better, I would put my money where my mouth was and give it a go…! That was 8 years ago now and I am thrilled that in that time, we have become one of the most revered and established floral design companies in Europe, travelling consistently over 3 continents to produce some of the most discussed celebrations in the world.

What are your most memorable installations?

I will always remember winning gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I was walking with my friend throughout the show grounds, about to go for dinner when I received a message with my result. I squealed aloud and really felt that in that moment, I had made it!
I have also remembered each and every wedding that we have created. I always feel incredibly privileged when someone invites you to help create the most special day of their lives so whether it is large or small, I remember each one.

 

You have worked with a number of Royal households and celebrities, what was that like?

Exactly like working with every other client – just usually with some added security!  
It is always an honour to create work for high-profile individuals and usually, you are enabled to be creative, push the envelope and sometimes be given a world stage upon which it will be seen.  As a designer, you want the world to see the work you create so to have this opportunity is an honour.

When did you have the idea to start up Bloom?

During lockdown when weddings were banned, places of worship where closed and we couldn’t operate, we sat as a team and asked ourselves what we should do with our time. I felt it was our responsibility to keep busy – after all, the worst thing you can do to an overthinker is give them time alone!  As we started to look at the retail side of our business which had, until then, been remarkably undeveloped, we realised there was an opportunity to spend time that we would never usually have into researching and developing a truly sustainable and meaningful response to sustainability.  We are very proud to have launched the UK’s first 100% plastic-free and sustainable online florist.

Is there anything exciting you are currently working on?

We have a number of weddings and celebrations taking place across Europe this summer so are spending more time in the air and in the sunshine. For us, travelling abroad brings a new set of challenges which keeps it incredibly interesting for us. We are also building a private members club in the middle of the Saudi Arabian desert later in the year which is another exciting challenge!

What would your ideal day in London be like?

Well, if it is a hot day like today, I would start with breakfast at the new Cedric Grolet café at The Berkeley, get an air-conditioned ride across to Holland Park and walk through the grounds. Then, pop along to Westbourne Grove for lunch and shopping before heading over to the latest Anya Hindmarch pop-up store for ice cream. I would likely pop home for a quick change and then be back out again for drinks with friends before dinner at one of my favourite west London haunts, The Shed.

For more information Larry Walshe Studios visit: www.larrywalshe.com For bloom visit: https://www.bybloom.co.uk

Photography courtesy of Larry Walshe