Hello, I’m Evelyn Chatterton, a 24-year-old British artist and illustrator, born and raised in London.
I’m currently in my third year studying BA Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, where my practice specialises in large-scale abstract painting. I build my own wooden stretcher bars in the university workshop, stretch and prepare my canvases by hand, and work at a scale very different from the small, intricate illustrations you’ll find here, but I love both!
Alongside studying and illustrating, I’ve spent the past five years waitressing and cocktail bartending across London’s busy, chaotic pubs and bars, including Soho House. It’s quite a different world from sitting quietly drawing medieval cats, but one that has been a huge part of my life in London.
Drawing animals has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have been illustrating them, both on paper and digitally, since I was around three years old. I now have three ginger cats of my own, although horses have always been my favourite animal and a constant source of inspiration.
The name La Châtelaine
La Châtelaine is a particularly personal name for me. My surname is Chatterton, so I loved the little echo of Châtelaine within my own name. There is also la chatte — French for a female cat.
French has always been present in my life, too, as my mum is a French teacher.
Historically, châtelaine refers to the mistress or lady of a château or castle. Traditionally, a woman responsible for the household and estate.
Where the inspiration comes from
A lot of that world comes from the places and imagery I grew up around. My mum decorated our little London house with William Morris wallpaper, and has collected antiques throughout my life.
I spent much of my childhood visiting National Trust and English Heritage properties, as well as visiting my Nana, who lives on the Welsh borders
I’m endlessly fascinated by medieval history, motifs and imagery, as well as folk traditions of all kinds, particularly old English and British folk culture and Appalachian folk traditions.
Creating La Châtelaine and being able to make artwork for other people genuinely feels like a dream job to me. The fact that people choose to bring my illustrations into their homes, give them as gifts, or trust me to capture an animal they love is something I am incredibly grateful for.
Thank you so much for being here and for supporting my work.
Evelyn Chatterton
