About Us

Our Story
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Lock and Dale was started in the summer of 2020 after I was made redundant during the Covid-19 pandemic. He had always dreamed of owning my own business, and now with no job and plenty of time on my hands I decided there was no better time to start one. With just a small budget to invest and a desire to fulfil my dream of drawing for a living, I set to work! The name is formed from the surnames of Chris Lock and his husband, Alex. I have called this section 'Our Story' as it doesn't seem right saying it is always all me - Alex and my family are always happy to help out during the busier times! 

 

I have drawn all my life and quickly found myself drawing anything and everything to gift to friends and family. There was, and still isn’t, a better feeling than gifting a piece of art I had drawn and poured my heart and time into, and it being received so well. To see the look of joy on a friends’ face or seeing my grandma cry (for the first and only time, and in a good way!) after I drew a portrait of her mum and dad, I knew my passion was not just in creating the artwork, but using my skill to bring joy to others. 

 

Although I loved drawing portraits the most, I found that people were asking for different kinds of illustrations, such as drawings of their home or their pets, and I loved the challenge of drawing different subjects and in styles I hadn’t tried before, and the more I draw with every spare moment I had over the next few years, I discovered a new love of drawing within pen and ink, as well as coloured pencil. 

 

Years later, to see those same drawings still proudly on display made me realise that gifting should be both meaningful and timeless. I don’t believe they should cost the earth, and should be excellent quality and designed to last a lifetime.

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Now just under five years later have drawn over 3000 houses, wedding venues and family portraits, for my amazing customers all over the world. I have worked with stationers who use my illustrations on gorgeous wedding stationary, and with companies for corporate gifting. 

 

I’m so proud of what I have accomplished so far, starting a business with just a couple hundred pounds when the world was in chaos, but I am even more excited with what the future holds. My vision is to stay small and continue to create wonderful illustrated gifts for you to give with love and confidence. I love what I do so much, and I hope you’ll let me help you give the most meaningful gifts to your loved ones. 

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Chris Lock

Founder and Illustrator