The Art of the Everyday

There’s something that seems both grounding and uplifting in Anna Ancher’s paintings, the way she captures sunlight falling across a room, women at work doing everyday tasks, small moments filled with colour. Last month I had never even heard of Anna Ancher, until Dulwich Picture Gallery got in touch with me.

Anna Ancher (1859–1935) grew up in Skagen, a tiny coastal village in Northern Denmark. She became an important part of Skagen Painters artist colony where artists flocked for the incredible light (it sounds very much like the St Ives School of artists in Cornwall). While many came as visitors, Anna lived it and it shows in her paintings. Soft interiors, clear colours, seaside scenes and calm contemplative moments that feel as fresh today as they must have 100 years ago.

The gallery shop has curated a gorgeous collection inspired by Anna’s colours and themes and I’m so excited that two of my soap bars, Garden and Coast, are part of the display in the shop. I have to say I am really delighted to have unexpectedly discovered her paintings, they feel very in tune with the slow, handmade world of Bohemia & Flower and the themes that shape my own life.

Bryony the buying and retail manager told me she picked the Coast & Garden soap bars for their connection to the themes & colour palette in Anna Ancher's work. Alongside the coastal feel of Skagen, "a number of her paintings depict garden and domestic scenes, so I brought in lots of cosy homeware and toiletries too"

If you’re visiting the exhibition, take a moment to pause with her paintings, notice the glow, the colours, the quietness and of course pop into the shop where you can find both Bohemia & Flower soaps nestled among the curated pieces. A highlight of which is a unique merino scarf, a collaboration between the gallery & British textile designers Wallace Sewell. It directly features colours and textures derived from her paintings 'Sunlight in the Blue Room' & 'Maid in the Kitchen'.

For more info head to their website (which has a shop) here or follow the gallery on Instagram @dulwichgallery 

Anna Ancher: Painting Light runs till the 8th March 2026