Village People - Tessa Land-Smith

If you’ve visited Cuckfield Museum recently, then it’s likely you’ve been enchanted by the exquisite miniature toy shop on display, complete with the tiniest workbox you’ll ever see! But you’re probably unaware that its creator runs a business in the village, and that designing and making miniatures is just one her many talents.

Tessa Land-Smith is the owner of the Chapel Gallery framing business in Brook Street. Visitors calling in to the former chapel will often find Tessa beavering away at her latest project. And from painting portraits and making soapstone sculptures to icing wonderful wedding cakes it seems there’s nothing that Tessa can’t turn her hand to.

Tessa spoke to Claire Cooper about her endless creations, her inspiration and how she’s happy to tackle any project – even a request to frame a single fish finger!

Read full article on pages 26/27.