Article: Behind the Design: Seddon and Davison Wildlife Chef Pads for Aga Range Cookers

Behind the Design: Seddon and Davison Wildlife Chef Pads for Aga Range Cookers
Chef Pads are a kitchen essential if you have an Aga range cooker, combining functionality with design. At Seddon and Davison, our collection brings a contemporary touch to this classic accessory, featuring British wildlife designs by Mark Davison with a rich heritage colour palette. In this article, we take a closer look at the inspiration behind our designs, the craftsmanship involved, and why these chef pads are a must-have for any Aga range cooker owner.
Why Aga Range Cooker Owners Love Chef Pads
Chef Pads serve multiple purposes, making them a staple for Aga range cooker owners. They:
- Protect lids and surfaces from heat and scratches.
- Improve efficiency by helping retain heat inside the cooker, reducing energy consumption.
- Act as trivets for resting hot cookware, keeping countertops and tables safe.
- Provide grip for handling warm dishes safely.
- Feature a hanging loop to keep them neatly in place when the lid is raised, ensuring they don’t slip off.
We've even seen them used in creative ways—as placemats, or even as seat cushions!
From Concept to Kitchen: The Design Process
The journey of our chef pads begins with photography. Mark Davison, co-founder of Seddon and Davison, has spent years capturing the beauty of the British countryside, from the rolling landscapes of Yorkshire to the rugged Scottish Highlands.
His goal was to create timeless yet modern designs that celebrate iconic British wildlife and livestock. Each image is carefully selected and refined for textile printing, ensuring the fine details of the original photograph remain intact. The combination of striking monochrome imagery with rich heritage colours makes each piece unique and visually compelling.
Crafted for Quality: British Manufacturing and Materials
We take pride in working with skilled British manufacturers to bring our designs to life. Each pad is made from thick, durable cotton, offering excellent heat resistance. Key design features include:
- A black cotton border that frames each wildlife design.
- A black terry cloth reverse for practicality, additional insulation and durability.
- A sturdy hanging loop for easy placement on your Aga.
- A Seddon and Davison black damask label as our mark of quality.
Manufacturing in the UK enables us to support local craftsmanship, becoming actively involved in the production process - from fabric selection onwards, working with our partners to achieve the most exacting standards. This joint commitment to excellence ensures that our chef pads not only look beautiful but also stand the test of time in busy kitchens.
Chef Pads Featuring British Wildlife Designs
Our collection showcases some of Britain’s most beloved wildlife, captured through Mark’s photography. The range includes:
- Highland Stag
- Badger
- Hare
- Highland Cow
- Swaledale Sheep
- Pheasant (available in full colour or classic black & white)
- Red Squirrel (available in full colour only)
- Barn Owl
Each design brings a unique character to your kitchen, whether you prefer bold colour or classic monochrome.
Rich Heritage Colours to Suit Every Kitchen
Choosing the perfect shade was an essential part of our design process. Our chef pads are available in seven heritage colours, selected to complement a range of kitchen styles:
- Teal Green
- Mulberry
- Ochre
- Charcoal
- Sage Grey
- Blackberry
- Steel Blue
These deep, characterful tones ensure that our chef pads enhance, rather than overpower, your kitchen’s aesthetic.
How to Care for Your Chef Pads
To keep your chef pads in excellent condition:
- Wash at 30 degrees on a delicate cycle with other items.
- Air dry to maintain shape.
- Avoid tumble drying or placing back on a hot Aga while damp.
- Use a cool iron if needed.
- A small amount of shrinkage is normal due to the natural fibres.
Bringing Beautiful Design to Everyday Cooking
Chef pads may be a simple kitchen accessory, but at Seddon and Davison, we believe they should be just as thoughtfully designed as any other homeware. By combining Mark’s wildlife designs, British craftsmanship, and a carefully curated colour palette, we have created a collection that is both functional and beautiful.
Whether you need heat protection, improved efficiency, or just a touch of personality in your kitchen, our chef pads are designed to be enjoyed every day.
Browse Our Chef Pad Collection – Find the Perfect Design for Your Aga Cooker