Renowned British Interior Designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Known as the 'Marquis of Marmite' due to his divisive design choices, Expresses Intentions to Refurbish Users' Homes.
Kickin' It Old-School with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
In a quaint corner of Cirencester nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen kicks back in a chaotic room brimming with paint, paper, and loads of character. It's in this hectic haven that the certified artist lets loose his creative genius. Yes, you heard it right, Laurence is no longer just an interior designer or TV personality - he's a painter now, dipping his brushes in oils to infuse houses with his signature swagger.
Swagger? You bet! He's got it in spades. When we meet, he's suited up in his usual fashion – oodles of blue, that styled-to-perfection hair, and a tie that could outshine the sun. He's a charmer alright, with a witty drawl, a playful demeanor, and a flair for drama. He's the mischievous uncle you secretly adore, sneaking you that extra glass of wine at dinner, and grinning cheekily when he catches you.
The studio is a marvel in itself – charming chaos personified, with easels littered around, sketchy houses adorned with swans, peacocks, and architectural wonders. There's even a painting where a woman frolics in the foreground while cherubs soar overhead, and a unicorn prances by, just because it's fun.
There's a reason behind this newfound artistic love affair. After an unusually quiet year on the TV front, Laurence found himself with more time on his hands, and he rekindled his old flame for painting. But this time, he was determined to put his artistic touch on houses, and not just through interior design. So, he approaches his canvases with the same bravado he brings to his design projects. Peacocks, for instance, are his go-to subject because they're the most challenging to paint. “It's like, look at me, I'm killing it with peacocks!” he jokes with a wink.
His inspiration for this audacious style can be traced back to the grandeur of 17th-century portraiture. Names like William Larkin and John Singer Sargent denote the royalty, nobles, and canines immortalized in these works. It's this 'grand manner' that resonates with Laurence, and he's eager to bring it back to contemporary art with a dash of his signature flair.
As a young artist, he was smitten by Rex Whistler's work, although he claims to have been unfamiliar with the man behind the art. Spending hours upon hours at the Louvre, soaking up the works of Gericault, David, and countless others, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the art form. In a quiet year, he even held an exhibition, hinting at his aspirations to be a professional painter.
Fast forward to the present, and his artistic pursuits are gaining momentum. People from the beautiful Cotswolds, and beyond, are commissioning him to transform their homes into dreamy masterpieces in oils. With each client, Laurence unleashes his artistic talent by serving as a conduit for their innermost architectural desires. “I'm a dominator, if memory serves me right,” he chuckles, when asked if he's an artistic dominatrix. “But we all enjoy the reserve. That reserve is useful, but there are moments to push it, stretch it. I've always felt I'm flirting with people's pain barrier like a moth to a flame – but always on the right side of that razor-thin edge before it tips over into chaos.”
What happens when clients ask for the extraordinary? Laurence doesn't bat an eyelash. “I'm like a Harley Street doctor,” he says. “I'll be absolutely impassive when the client says, 'I'd like a large elephant with a flamingo perched on its back, arriving in a Nimbus.'” Amazingly, he isn't disappointed that people aren't asking for weirder things. He welcomes requests to paint houses underwater or on Venus, hoping to push the boundaries of his craft.
Laurence's commissioned works are managed by Cotswold Contemporary Art in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The process usually begins with a consultation, where he listens to the client's desires, works on the perspectives, and then creates a modello. Once the client signs off, he dives headfirst into the painting, inviting clients to drop by for updates along the way. The finished piece is then presented to the client, and there might even be a romantic moment at the framer's, he quips.
Word of mouth and the allure of swagger portraits have earned him a dedicated clientele, like the Waters family who fell in love with his work while wandering through Burford, Oxfordshire. Laurence captured their imaginary dream of Peplow Hall with wild animals, charm, and a touch of the fantastical, making it the perfect addition to their living space. Another enthusiast, Greg Horton, stumbled upon Laurence's work in a magazine and was drawn to his vibrant colors, bold strokes, and unapologetic flair. His commissioned painting has since become the star of the show, bringing drama to his living room and delighting everyone who lays eyes on it.
Not everyone is a fan of Laurence's work, however. During a cooking show appearance with Prue Leith, she criticized his paintings, likening them to unpleasant creatures lurking in bushes. Laurence appreciated her candor, admitting that it was exactly the response he was hoping for. Despite the occasional criticism, he remains undeterred, always eager to push the envelope and bring his whimsical visions to life, be it through houses, paintings, or television.
As they say, everyone's got a little bit of Laurence in them, and he gleefully admits to being the "Marquis of Marmite” – divisive but unapologetic. Whether you love his paintings or hate them, there's one thing everyone can agree on – Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is anything but boring, and his work certainly lives up to his reputation for sparking conversation, striking a chord, and, most importantly, having fun.
Want a piece of Laurence's swagger? Contact Cotswold Contemporary Art in Cirencester, Gloucestershire to commission your dream home in oils. You never know, you might just end up with a painting that grabs heads and stirs up lively discussions, just like the man behind it.
This feature originally appeared in the May 7, 2025 issue of our platform. Click here for more information on how to subscribe
James FisherJames Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of our platform. He writes about property, travel, motoring, and things that drive him up the wall. He lives in London.
His artistic creations have become lifestyle statements, appealing to home-and-garden enthusiasts who seek to infuse their spaces with an element of entertainment, much like they would with a celebrity-endorsed product. As his commissioned works gain momentum, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's paintings have become conversation starters, reflecting his interior-design flair and captivating audiences beyond the world of home improvement.
