A broom of her own

Ancient rural skills in a modern world

For 45 years, Jill Barklem’s ‘Brambly Hedge’ series has been captivating young readers. Emily Allen explores her magical miniature world

Clutter-free grandeur How the artist changed her untidy ways to create a stately studio workspace

Most of us wouldn’t dream of buying a house sight unseen, but this creative homeowner was guided by her instincts. The result? A laidback home filled with sunkissed charm

OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS, ELLE HAS CELEBRATED CREATIVITY OF ALL KINDS. HERE, A RANGE OF TODAY’S LEADING ARTISTS, WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND DIRECTORS SHARE THE RITUALS, ROUTINES AND REALITIES BEHIND THEIR GREATEST WORKS, FROM MIND-BLOWING EXCEL SHEETS TO THE MAGIC OF THE DARK ROOM

Natural perennial planting, with light-diffusing grasses and pools of burnished colour, has elevated a relaxed Sussex farmhouse plot