Started by artist Meryl Bell 31 years ago, Bell Art has developed into a great Australian brand selling a range of gift products, which is currently on display at Reed Gift Fairs Sydney for the first time.
Known for her beautiful floral still life paintings, Bell initially began a small family business selling cards featuring her artwork. Sadly Bell passed away in 2009 but her legacy lives on through her daughter, Amanda Legovich, who took on management of the business in 2007 so her parents could retire.
“Bell Art began with one single card, then four, and 31 years on we have the Wildflower boxed card set which pays homage to those original designs,” she says.
“We lived in Western Australia and the business was based there for 20 years. Our WA customers are like family and most remember mum and dad visiting them. They are our biggest supporters.”
Legovich hopes that exhibiting at the fair will introduce a whole new marketplace to her mother’s work, which is featured on products including aromatics, soaps, gifts and stationery.
“The original oil paintings were done in the style of the Old Dutch masters and we have a wonderful collection of artworks to utilise,” she says.
“Over the years our designers have used these still life paintings to cut flowers from the paintings to create modern, fresh products.”
As a business founded on a love of the Australian bush, Legovich says Bell Art is focused on spreading an awareness and appreciation of Australia’s natural environment and the need to conserve native flora.
She is also passionate about supporting local industry, particularly in Western Australia where the products are still made.
“Central to our business ethic is the aim to use the knowledge, talent and skill of local designers, printers and manufacturers to produce products of a quality standard equal or surpassing imported products,” she explains.
“This not only supports our local economy but also assists us in avoiding the excess emissions, energy and waste produced from engaging overseas manufacturers.”
Legovich says the company decided to exhibit at a gift fair for the first time in Melbourne last year because, “it was time to get serious and grow our business quickly… We wanted to increase our exposure to the marketplace, and potentially find a few corporate buyers.
“We had a very successful fair. It was wonderful to meet new customers as well as see the friendly faces of our regulars. On a personal note, we felt very honoured and humbled whenever someone mentioned we were on their list of exhibitors to visit.
“We are hoping to repeat this fabulous experience in Sydney in February.”
By Ruth Cooper
