Modern Art Distillery, also known as M.A.D., was founded by Caroline Harrison and Catharine Russell. They met as students in London and bonded over adventures and gin. After university, their lives took different paths. They had careers, got married, and became parents. Still, their friendship lasted over the years.
Years later, both living on the south coast of England, they decided to start a new project. Over a glass of gin, they founded Modern Art Distillery. Their goal was to make high-quality craft spirits – gin, rum, and vodka. They wanted to use their bottles as a platform for artists. This would introduce these artists to a worldwide audience.
M.A.D. aims to combine craft spirits with modern art. They support artists, including emerging talents. The distillery blends art, ideas, and spirits. It works with distillers, artists, photographers, designers, and social media experts. They create spirits that celebrate creativity.
Each bottle has a label from a commissioned painting. Artists from the UK and beyond create these. The bottles are not just for spirits. They are collectable items with QR codes. These codes link to more information about the products and artists. Limited edition prints of the artworks are for sale. This lets art fans own part of what M.A.D. represents.
Caroline has a background in IT and magazine publishing. She has a keen interest in art. Catharine is a former journalist, now a craft practitioner and educator. They have combined their diverse skills and love of art in this venture. Their passion for gin and art has become a platform. It supports artists and showcases their work globally alongside M.A.D.'s products.