Our Story
The batiks designs on this website are the creation
of my late father, the artist John "Moses" Heap.
In the 1970s, my father thrived as a successful artist
in the Philippines. However, his artistic journey took a different path when my sister and I entered the world. Driven by a desire to be closer to his family and provide us with a quality education, he made the decision to relocate our family back to England.
Back in the UK, his creative spirit refused to be silenced. Instead, he channeled his artistic inclinations into crafting handmade children's toys, most notably, the unforgettable 'Incredible Emu Puppet.'
Our summers were a whirlwind of adventure as we travelled the country, attending festivals and shows, where we not only sold his creations but also hosted lively Emu-themed discos that brought joy to many. His charisma even earned him a place among the top ten most beloved figures at Glastonbury festival one year.
Throughout these experiences, his love for batiks remained a constant, patiently waiting for its moment. Eventually, with my sister and I having embarked on our own journeys, he and my mother seized the opportunity to return to the Philippines, where they could retire in paradise.
Their homecoming in 2008 was met with the ferocity of Typhoon Frank, a category 3 typhoon that wreaked havoc across the nation, including our hometown. A few years later, we were struck by another tragedy as my sister tragically passed away far too soon.
Rebuilding in the aftermath of the typhoon and finding solace amid grief consumed many years, but in 2015, my father's love for batiks rekindled. With the help of my mother and a team of six young men, my cousins, he embarked on the journey of creation and painting once more.
Regrettably, he never had the opportunity to reclaim the pinnacle of the success he once enjoyed, as he passed away unexpectedly in 2016.
