Behind the Design: The Highland Cow Collection

The Highland Cow Homeware Collection is a popular range within Seddon and Davison's own-brand of wildlife inspired homeware and gifts. It combines the distinctive charm of this iconic animal with Mark Davison’s contemporary design, heritage-inspired colours, and our commitment to high quality, British craftsmanship. 

Here we take you behind the scenes of the design and the collection...

The Inspiration: A Highland ‘Coo’ in a Rugged Setting on Malham Moor

Five years ago, Mark set out with his father on a walk near Malham Moor, just outside Airton in the Yorkshire Dales. It was a breezy, crisp autumn day when they came across a young Highland heifer. Although Highland cows are typically linked to the rugged landscapes of Scotland, their hardy nature and long, shaggy coats make them a common sight on farms in the Yorkshire Dales, particularly around Craven.

Capturing the perfect shot, however, was no easy task. Highland cows are known for their long, shaggy hair, which often falls over their eyes. Mark spent quite a while waiting for the wind to blow just right, moving the hair away from the cow’s face to reveal its eye. After 20 attempts, the patience paid off, and he finally had the shot.

"With their rugged look and hardy nature, highland cows make captivating subjects for photography. Their long, shaggy coats and distinctive upward-curving horns embody both strength and character. The landscapes they roam are just as important—it's the blend of animal and environment that makes them ideal for both photography and our homeware designs." Mark Davison

The same highland cow can be seen in this photo also captured by Mark from the same walk - entitled ‘Wild about each other Highland Coos, in black and white’. 

 From Photograph to Design

This photograph of the Highland cow was one of the first images Mark transformed into the greetings card and wildlife-inspired homeware designs you see today. Originally developed during Mark’s degree as a triptych artwork project, the Highland cow was featured alongside the hare and Highland stag. The process of turning these photographs into a collection was far from straightforward. Mark experimented with creative techniques, such as lino printing, aiming to create animal portraits against a clean, block-colour background. 

From this starting point, the design was transformed into a range of homeware products. Initially, it was used for greetings cards, before expanding into other items in the collection, such as cushions, oven gloves, and chef pads.

The Highland Cow Homeware Collection - British Craftsmanship at Its Core

At Seddon and Davison, we are committed to supporting British craftsmanship. Every item within our own brand of wildlife inspired homeware collections is made within the UK. By working with British manufacturers, we ensure that each piece not only looks great but is built to last. The decision to keep production local wasn’t just about quality control—it’s about maintaining and supporting craftsmanship here in the UK.

This attention to detail extends to the entire collection, from the fabrics and materials to the printing techniques. For example, our highland cow cushion is made from 100% Panama cotton and features a British-made duck feather insert. We wanted to create a homeware range that would stand out, not just because of its design but because of its quality.

Comfort, Contemporary Design - Heritage-Inspired Collection

The Highland cow design has proven to be one of our most popular items, and it’s easy to see why. It combines the practical needs of homeware—durability, comfort, and functionality—with a design that draws on the heritage of British wildlife. Whether you're looking for a cushion to add to your living room or a set of kitchen accessories, the Highland Cow Collection offers pieces that bring a touch of nature into your home.

Explore the full range online or visit us in-store to discover how this design can become part of your space.

SHOP THE HIGHLAND COW COLLECTION