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Lydia Crook grew up in a little sleepy town called Lewes in Sussex. She graduated in 2006 from Winchester School of Art with a degree in fashion but has since found her love for paper and everything to do with it so strong, she has made a career out of it. Her love of paper began back in 2004, when she started to work part time for the internationally acclaimed paper engineer, Corina
Fletcher. She now works from a little studio, nestled on a farm just outside Lewes, where she designs and creates a variety of pop-up books and ornate paper cuttings. She still occasionally dips into her textile memories with an interest in old-fashioned crafts such as embroidery and cross-stitching along with designing and creating clothes, such as her sisters wedding dress in 2009. |
When were you happiest?
I like to think of myself as a happy person most of the time. I somehow find something every day (even dull wet ones) that makes me smile or feel warm inside. But if I had to pin-point just one, I think it would have to be when I was younger – when the hours in a day would just seem to go on and on and on, especially in the summer time.
What is your greatest fear?
Heights. Just going up a ladder makes my legs go all wobbly.
What is your earliest memory?
Pushing my pushchair around my parent’s garden with earthworms in it while singing songs from the film 'Oliver' to them.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
There is quite a few actually. Corina Fletcher would have to be one for teaching me all I know about paper. David Attenborough for educating and inspiring me on all things wild. And my Mummy and Daddy, for letting me try out every after school activity possible when I was younger.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Putting things off until later.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Unreliability and unprovoked aggression – they both nerve me a little.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
When I was 6 I was dared to run around a neighbours party, full of grown ups, naked by my sister and her friend. And I stupidly did it.
What is your most treasured possession?
Original Scruffy. He holds a lot of memories that I never want to forget.
Where would you like to live?
I’m quite a settled kind of person. I love living by the sea – having that open space inspires me. I like visiting exotic and cultural places but I think my home will always be in Sussex.
What would your super power be?
To be able to talk to animals. I think they would have a lot of interesting things
to say.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The mole on my nose.
What makes you unhappy?
Failure.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Procrastination and chocolate malted milk biscuits.
What is your favourite word?
Love. It’s a very inspiring word and emotion.
What do you owe your parents?
A lot more than they think.
To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?
My Grandad - for not being there at the end. And my Mummy – for not
being more supportive at the right times.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
I think I’ve been quite lucky with this one. Making vats of coleslaws at my first job in a tearoom is probably the worst it gets.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Being able to explain myself better.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Doing a job that I love.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Comptine d’un autre été: L’après-midi” by Yann Tiersen. I love solo piano pieces, this one always seems to stop me in my tracks.
How would you like to be remembered?
Someone who tried her best.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
To be happy in whatever you do, to expect the unexpected, to “just breath” and to K.I.S.S - keep it simple stupid.
Tell us a joke.
Why are pirates pirates? ....... They just arrrrrrrrrrrrr.
"The Q&A Interview from The Guardian"
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