Simon Schmidt - The Fisherman

The British seaside and its melodramatic tendencies have been the main incentive for this story. I find myself very inspired at the weather-beaten seaside, especially the little beach towns of England, which have so much charm to offer. I love the wind, the drama of it all and when the sun rises and sets, it almost becomes an act itself - like a part in a play. You watch, you pay attention, you leave with an emotional reaction, you think. You’re moved? The juxtaposition of standing still for a moment and the possibility of moving far prompts both new ideas and reminiscences of the past.

The climate of the sea can be temperamental, just like the human mind and mood. Even they way you dress is different. You cover yourself in layers depending on the mood of the sea and how much you want to feel the wind and the salt on your skin. Blankets are there to protect you, knits can warm you and light scarves are shielding you to endure a sunny and breezy beach walk. Begg x Co is the perfect companion to take on a journey to the British seaside. That’s where this wonderful emulsion started. 

The location Ramsgate

After a little research, a plan was made to explore some of Britain’s smallest seaside towns - Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Once we arrived, it was all about enjoying the salty and fragrant breeze from the sea and letting it happen. There is something quite magical about pebbly shores, the colourful little beach houses almost reminding one of doll’s houses. Observing the locals a little more you can clearly tell that there is a significant appreciation for the art of resting, travelling and making. In true Begg x Co style, the modern fisherman (aka me) keeps alive the traditional code of appreciating the activity as well as the aesthetic. This collaboration celebrates a meeting of inner values beginning to shine from the inside out.

British Seaside

Many references from film and photography, such as the fantastic ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ by Anthony Minghella, provided plenty of visual guidance for this work. There is so much to take inspiration from; the colours, the sounds and, in this instance, the styling. As creative minds, we tend to build worlds that we can identify with ourselves and then multiply those with our own interpretation and, most importantly, our own imagination. The process of dreaming and believing is very important here. When Begg x Co got in touch and suggested a summer outing, I immediately sensed the urge to create a story around the different types of emotions - longing, reminiscing, dreaming – that you feel whilst strolling beside the seaside.