After foundation studies in Art, Design, Pottery and Fashion, Emily attended Lincoln College of Art where she took her National Diploma in Restoration and Conservation. She then specialized in paint finishes and gilding under Mr Nigel Leaney, then head of gilding and the restoration of painted surfaces. This prepared Emily for her first venture, Swift & Connell. When her business partner moved to Ireland, Emily carried out specialist work for a variety of leading companies in London, including Davies Keeling & Trowbridge, Armourcoat and Clarke & Fenn. In 2000 Emily moved to Brighton and established Aurum Design with Joseph Atkinson.
Special skills - gilding, design, paint finishes, polished plaster, and mosaic.