Portrait of a Mother: In conversation with Polly Weller

For our latest chapter, we return to the rugged charm of Cornwall with Polly Weller—stylist, designer, and mother to three. Known for her understated elegance and sharp eye for detail, Polly lives with her husband, fashion photographer Ben Weller, in a lovingly restored home near the sea. Together, they’ve created a life shaped by creativity, community, and the quiet rhythms of coastal living.

Q: What is the most unexpected joy of raising a family in Cornwall—has the landscape shaped your daily rhythm or creative approach in ways you didn’t anticipate?

A: Living in Cornwall is very elemental. The children are constantly outdoors— our lives are centred around coves, woodland and the sea. Velvet and Herb go to Surf Cadets on Saturdays at Sennen Surf School, the sea has become such a big part of our lives. We often build worlds and sculptures using driftwood, seaweed, and shells—it’s a simple but beautiful way to be together, creating something with what the tide brings in.

On weekends, we’ll all pile into the Land Rover and head off on an adventure—usually with no plan, just following the weather and wherever looks beautiful that day.

Q: How does creativity weave into the fabric of your home life, and why is it important for your children to be part of that process?

A: Creativity is something we value highly and encourage. Their father is a fashion photographer, so we have lots of art books around the house, lots of artist and photographer friends, the children are always drawing or painting. At one point we let them draw and paint directly onto the dining room walls—it started because the wallpaper was only temporary, but now it’s become a mural, and we’d never dream of covering it up.

Q: In what ways do you nurture imagination and independence in your children—are there particular rituals, freedoms or educational choices that feel central to your family’s way of life?

A: We try to give them the freedom to explore and make things up as they go. That might mean letting them build dens in the garden or helping with cooking, painting, gathering bits from the beach. We don’t structure things too tightly—there’s a lot of time for play and making, giving the space for free play is what lets imagination expand. They’re given trust, which I think feeds independence in a quiet but lasting way.

Q: How does summer dressing shift when life is spent so much outdoors—in the garden, by the sea? What are the pieces you return to season after season?

A: Cornwall is often breezy, and we get lots of microclimates being on the peninsula—wind direction really does change everything. I rely on layering. I’d be lost without a fair isle twin set—I wear the sleeveless tank and cardigan as my onion peel, over dresses, shirts, with skirts or jeans. I love the Caramel headscarves—the weight and length are perfect, and I wear them in lots of different ways. They’re practical but beautiful, and always feel like a finishing touch.

I wear a lot of vintage army surplus; it’s practical, comfortable, and holds up well. RM Williams boots are my go-to—they feel a bit more classic and vintage than a Blundstone (which are great, just a bit too common now). I love Victorian white lace and often wear petticoats and bloomers under army green. A soft sock or scarf adds a little femininity.

My style is quite rooted in the 1940s—tea dresses, hand-knitted Arrans, parachute silk slips, smocking, old military pieces, and traditional textile practices. There’s a romanticism and functionality in that era that really speaks to me. I feel like Caramel shares that same vision—there’s something very Swallows and Amazons about it all. It celebrates the best parts of Cornwall: adventurous, tender, timeless in feeling, and full of quiet magic.

Q: What does a meaningful life look like to you right now, in this season of motherhood?

A: Laughter with friend’s, Co parenting with people that share similar values. People you trust, that you can be your authentic self with and share the good bits and the messy bits with—that feels like everything at the moment.

We try to keep things simple. Being outside as much as possible, eating together, swimming, letting the days unfold without too much rush. It’s not always calm or tidy, it’s a creative chaos. The everyday stuff—muddy boots by the door, half-finished drawings, conversations on walks—that’s what life looks like right now.