Mimi Dickson: Art, Nursing & the Magic of Miniature Tablescapes

We’ve always been inspired by the incredible creativity of our friends and collaborators. One such talent is Mimi Dickson (@mimidicksonpaintings), an artist whose delicate, illustrations bring everyday moments to life. Recently, Mimi created a stunning one-of-a-kind tablescape painting, capturing some of her favorite Issy Granger pieces in exquisite detail. As a special treat, we’re now including a postcard of this beautiful artwork with every order—so you can pin it up and enjoy a little piece of her magic.

But Mimi’s artistry is just one side of her story. By day, she works as an NHS nurse, balancing the demands of healthcare with her flourishing illustration business. We sat down with her to chat about this unique duality of creativity and care, her artistic process, and the inspirations behind her work.

Read on for the full Q&A, where Mimi shares her journey, insights, and the joy of creating miniature masterpieces...

We adore your tablescape miniatures! What drew you to make this subject a particular focus of your work? 

I really believe that the small things in life, like daily rituals or comforting habits and making an effort to enjoy them can bring us happiness and stability. With my work I aim to draw attention to this; to remind people of the moments that may seem arbitrary or inconsequential, such as a cup of coffee to start the day or a sit down at the kitchen table with loved ones, defining them as moments to be appreciated and celebrated. I have always been fascinated by people and what we choose to surround ourselves with. To me, a snapshot of the kitchen table can suggest in some way how we live, or signify a particular time that might be fleeting, but is relevant to who we are and how we create a sense of home

You've said your work is inspired by the small joys of the everyday. What brings you joy, both in your creative life and in your work as a nurse? 

So much really. At work in the hospital, it is seeing love in action. It is such a privilege to be involved in the care of people during vulnerable times, and to witness a level of human strength that I can’t even describe. At the same time, life can feel overwhelming. It is in these moments that we can draw on what we already have around us and be grateful. Creativity gives me an ultimate sense of freedom and joy, and I feel so lucky to be able to share it through my work. I am always so touched when people take the time to message or let me know that something I have made has meant something to them.

Is there a podcast or artist you enjoy listening to while you paint?

I listen to a lot of podcasts and audiobooks while painting, I think my place of most comfort is settling down to paint, forgetting everything that might be going on around me, putting on a podcast, lighting a candle and working away. I have just finished listening to the beautiful ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ and a very few of the various podcasts I enjoy include Esther Perel’s Where Should We Begin, In Our Time and The Guardian Long Read. 

Could you talk us through your creative process? We’re delighted to collaborate with you and see our Issy Granger products captured in miniature form! 

I am thrilled to be working on this together, as a long time admirer of Issy Granger since her days of creating beautiful Ottomans to the brilliant and much coveted homeware that the brand is known for today. My process is quite disorganised, but I think this is an important part of it as it enables me to feel unconstricted and therefore more creative; often I will sit down to paint, and it will come together as I go along. Because my work incorporates miniature cutouts, the overall piece can remain fluid until it is stuck down, which gives me the freedom to play about with the composition to see what might work best, or usually what feels right. You can catch a glimpse of this in the video!

Could you share your top three favourite pieces from our collection?

Truly it is hard to choose. I fell in love with the Circus Collection and then completely transferred this love to the new glassware collection; I think it would have to be the Bugle, Martini and Pebble candlesticks which feature in my piece, and could covet the Bedside Carafes and Ridge tumblers more if I tried!

What advice would you give to others balancing a demanding profession like nursing with a creative passion? 

Having two different jobs to care about is a great way of keeping perspective, so as not to pour all of yourself into one or the other, but instead being able to find balance between them. I am fortunate that nursing and creativity complement one another; I would never give up nursing, but am aware how lucky it is to have a creative outlet when things are overwhelming or seem a bit grey. Painting is excellent therapy; the hospital I work at has an incredible charity called Vital Arts that commissions art for the walls of the hospital and provides collaborative programmes involving artists, patients and clinical staff. I would absolutely and always recommend having more than one plate spinning, not only for income, but as a way to live life. We realistically spend the majority of our lives working, so make that work for you. 

Is there a book, film, or art exhibition you’re particularly enjoying at the moment? 

I am currently reading Caledonian Road by one of my favourite authors Andrew O’Hagan. I read his book Mayflies a few years ago and was enchanted by his writing; he describes memories and evokes a sense nostalgia as if it were your own. I recently saw and loved Anora and am keen to see A Real Pain. I am looking forward to a few days off soon to see a couple of exhibitions I have had my eye on including Daniel Malarkey’s ‘Last Night I Dreamt of Mannerly’ at Alison Jacques.