Shaping Britishness: Hidden Heroines of British Style

Behind many influential British interiors, textiles, and objects are the hands and minds of female designers whose contributions have long been under-recognised. This session, led by Kayleigh Davies, brings their stories to the forefront — from the Bloomsbury Group to Lucienne Day — and explores why their work is gaining new relevance and appreciation today.

Kayleigh Davies
With nearly 15 years of experience in the auction industry, Kayleigh Davies is a seasoned valuer, auctioneer, and toy specialist. She is well-known to many from her appearances as an expert on the British television show Cash in the Attic, where she brings forgotten objects and their stories back to life.

Kayleigh has a particular passion for the unexpected — rare records, vintage posters, comics, and design pieces that reveal surprising histories. She holds a master’s degree in antiques, and her academic work includes a dissertation on bootleg toys: unlicensed, often quirky creations that sometimes eclipse the originals in both rarity and value.