Paul Simmon

Paul Simmon was born and raised in the UK. In 1970, he arrived on the Caribbean paradise island of St. Lucia at the age of 21. Initially, he worked as a professional chef at many of the island's top hotels. In 1977, he read in an in-flight magazine, an article on batik. From there the seed was sown.

In 1980, he was commissioned to make a number of pieces for his good friend, Lord Glenconner Colin Tennant, which lead to further commissions for people such as Princess Margaret, The Marquis of Bath, Mick Jagger, and David Bowie, to name a few. He was commissioned to make a silk dress for the Miss Universe contestant for Trinidad & Tobago. In 1981, his work was shown at the World Bank, Washington D.C.

Since then, Paul has created and managed several restaurants & batik studios on the island, many combining art and food, which makes for some colourful cuisine. His inspirations come from the natural beauty of islands unspoilt tropical rainforest, it's birds & flowers. A major feature of his work being the world heritage site "The Pitons" & the traditional local island life. Less obvious are his Amerindian stylized designs that boarded many pieces.

Paul uses a wax, dye resist process along with the Indonesian method, but with his own Caribbean flavour. He uses Jacquard procion dyes & 100% cotton. Products include pareos, adults/kids T-shirts, cushions, place mats, wall hangings, dresses, and tops & scarves. Currently, Paul has his studio in a restored 19th century wooden building, located on the waterfront of the historic town of Soufriere, St. Lucia. He is open daily & constantly producing. Drop in for an interesting visit.