Skip to content
Search

Westonbirt welcomed former pupil who turned passion into a career

22 June 2023

Westonbirt was delighted to welcome a former pupil back to the School recently. Known for her intricate headpieces, crowns, millinery, race wear, and jewellery for brides and the red carpet is entrepreneur and Westonbirt Alumnus, Hermione Harbutt. Hermione graduated from Westonbirt School in 2001 and went on to university where she took her passion and turned it into a successful career.

“I have always been a maker since I was a child and everyone was like ‘Oh you should really do things for brides’ but at the time it was all very tall crowns and not my style, so I thought I’ll make some things that I would like to wear and I absolutely loved making them and I found such a passion for it,” said Hermione.

Hermione started her business in 2008 and since then she has looked back with great appreciation for Westonbirt in allowing her to become the person she is today.

“Westonbirt helped me massively by equipping me with so many different skills that I use in my business now. Being an entrepreneur is so much more than just the skill you are selling or

exchanging, so it’s not just the product;  it is so many other things you need to do. Westonbirt taught me to be really resilient and sufficient and I am pretty grateful for that,” said Hermione.

“I did young enterprise when I was at Westonbirt and I think that helped me get a grasp of this business and let me feel like anything is possible.”

Aside from being a renowned master artisan, Hermione is also known for her warmth and personal approach with all her clients. She also enjoys teaching and coming back to Westonbirt to give back all that she has learnt to current students.  She also returns occasionally to showcase her beautiful pieces throughout the elegant estate rooms and colourful gardens.

“We regularly have to undertake campaign photoshoots for my new collections and that is what brings me back to Westonbirt because it is such a lovely environment and I enjoy coming back to this lovely place and showcasing it,” said Hermione. “I also really love coming back and giving back by attending the careers fairs and talking to some of the students about being in business and entrepreneurship and what that involves. I feel it is nice to remind them that you don’t necessarily have to go off to study to be a doctor or a dentist and there are other amazing careers out there that you can do and that don’t necessarily tie into what you have done in university.”

In College Hermione studied Child Psychology and Social Policy, she says ‘it only shows that you don’t have to do what you study at University.’

Hermione has been featured in a long list of magazines for her work and continues to be a consummate couturier and creator of accessory dreams, creating heirloom pieces to be treasured and loved for years to come. To follow Hermione Harbutt, please follow her on Instagram @hermioneharbutt.

Contact

Prep: +44 (0)1666 881400
Senior: +44 (0)1666 880333
Email us
Westonbirt School, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QG

Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Instagram Pinterest-p
  • Parent Portal
  • Pupil Portal
  • © 2021 Westonbirt School
  • Parent Portal
  • Pupil Portal
  • © 2021 Westonbirt School
We use cookies to optimise site functionality and give you the best possible experience.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
  • Home
  • Admissions & Open Days
    • Admissions
    • Open Days & Visits
  • Nursery
    • Welcome to Nursery
    • Learning and Development
    • Sessions and Pricing
    • Transition to Reception
  • Prep School
    • Welcome to Prep School
    • Prep curriculum
    • Reception
    • Outdoor Learning
    • Prep School Development
  • Senior
    • Welcome to Senior
    • Academic
    • Art and Performance at Westonbirt
  • Sixth Form
    • Welcome to Sixth Form
    • Results & Destinations
    • Academic Options
    • Sixth Form Life
  • International
  • Boarding
  • Sport
  • International Summer School
    • Westonbirt Summer School
    • Why choose Westonbirt Summer School
    • Summer School Academic Options
    • Summer School Integration Projects
    • Summer School Timetable
    • Accommodation and Food
    • Academies and Activities
    • Excursions, Evenings and Weekends
    • Bookings, Dates, Prices and Transfers
    • Location and Contact us
  • Key Info & Term Dates
    • Fees
    • Key Information & Term Dates
    • News
  • Leisure, Golf & Holiday Camps
    • Westonbirt Leisure
    • Westonbirt Golf Course
    • Discover Activity Camps
    • Easter Study Programmes
  • Weddings & Events
  • Alumni Association
    • Westonbirt Alumni Association
    • Association News Publication
  • Vacancies
  • Contact Us