A few weeks ago I was asked to nominate a woman who inspires me in honour of International Women’s Day. It was one of those wonderful PR exercises that stops you in your tracks and makes you really think about people inspiring change in the world, or indeed, in your very own life. Be it family, friends, fellow business women or simply icons of the modern world who reach us through the mediums of writing, art, music and film. My woman of choice is a modern day artist, a creator of exquisite floral arrangements that are fêted globally, Wild at Heart’s Nikki Tibbles. However, my choice is not connected with Nikki’s artful floristry, it was after I found myself seated next to her at a press dinner and finding common ground over our mutual love of animals. We spoke at length of her other passion, the Wild at Heart Foundation dedicated to funding and supporting animal welfare projects all over the world. The Foundation was born in 2015 when Nikki met Nadine Kayser when they were both in the process of adopting dogs from Romania. They have ambitious targets, primarily to reduce the world’s 600 million stray dog population. In practical terms this means in the next couple of years they aim to open a rescue centre in the UK; run 10 national media campaigns; support 100 rescue projects; rehome 1,000 animals, educate 10,000 children and neuter 100,000 dogs. Yes, I did say it was ambitious, but you have to admire the determination and drive because this is precisely what gets things done in a ‘head in the sand’ world. 

 

 

Personally, this was a catalyst for me to change my career direction and to leave Cosmopolitan to pursue other passions, so in the true sense of the word, Nikki is a very real inspiration and will be featured in my forthcoming Project Green exhibition. Alongside images of nature, sustainable fashion and natural beauty, this celebrates my ‘Green Heroes’, people who are changing the world, one small step at a time, by committing to kindness, whether to animals, the environment or local communities. Nikki, alongside her beloved rescue dogs, will feature within the exhibition and the proceeds of any of the picture sales will go to the Wild at Heart Foundation. 

I travelled to West Sussex to photograph her and canine friends and was lucky enough to photograph the stunning manor house in which she resides when not working in London. As you’d expect, flowers feature heavily in the decor, over cushions, over rugs, over walls and the overall feel reminded me of Charleston House, the country home of the Bloomsbury Set in the 1920’s. It’s a gorgeous, arty retreat and intriguing to see how Nikki’s creativity works in interior spaces. Fires were aglow in every hearth and wherever I wandered, a dog or two would follow. The pictures speak for themselves. I was sad to leave and next time I’ll certainly head into one of her fields to enjoy a glass of wine whilst the sun sets over the South Downs.

 

A gateway to several acres of pasture land that Nikki intends to use to rehome rescued horses and farm animals. Perfect play-territory for Lenny and Smith, pictured here.

 

A life in flowers… one of London’s most famous florists, Nikki’s work is adored by flower lovers everywhere. The shops at Liberty and Westbourne Grove stop tourists in their tracks.

 

In case you’re interested, it was mushroom risotto and it was delicious. The floral accompaniment was pretty awesome too.

 

Modern art, vintage floral paintings and part of an extensive collection of glassware.

 

Bold strokes and favoured hydrangeas

 

From the abstract floral rug to appliquéd cushions, home furnishings throughout celebrate Nikki’s love of flowers.

 

The perfect sun trap. Yes, there was a dog languishing behind me when I took this picture. 

 

..and there she is, Tia sitting comfortably

 

Portraits of her beloved dogs, mixed in with modernist floral paintings and shabby chic furnishings.

 

The perfect marriage of tone and bloomage

 

A freshly cut branch of Magnolia brings spring into the kitchen

 

Room with a view (and more vintage glassware)

 

The snug. Piles of book and eclectic, cosy finds.

 

Nikki with Lenny, Smith and Ronnie 

 

Hello Smith…

 

The very impressive recipe reading room

 

The Stylish Stuff…(literally, EVERYWHERE)

 

The dream dovecote found at Kempton Antiques Fair

 

The conker sconces I fell in love with

 

Flowers for Reuben

 

Just some of the beautiful little dogs rescued by the Wild at Heart Foundation and seeking homes…(go on, you know you want to)

For more information on the Wild at Heart Foundation 

Follow Nikki on Instagram 

Words and Photographs by Shelly Vella using the Olympus Pen EPL7 camera.

 

Project Green will be showing for a week from the 10th May at Art Bermondsey, Project Space, 183-185 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UW in association with Olympus and Burt’s Bees.