Van Gogh and Britain

“HOW I LOVE LONDON” - Vincent van Gogh

Van Gogh was twenty when he arrived in London. He spent three years between 1873 and 1876 in Britain and fell in love with London where he visited museums and galleries, walked through the city, travelled by underground and by boat along the river Thames.

Self Portrait, Autumn - 1889 National Gallery of Art (Washington, USA)

Self Portrait, Autumn - 1889 National Gallery of Art (Washington, USA)

At the entrance to the exhibition at Tate Britain we were met by large scale photograph of Vincent’s lodgings in Hackford Road, Stockwell.

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As well as being inspired by the writings of British authors such as Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare, he was also inspired by the works of British artists including Constable and Millais.

“READING BOOKS IS LIKE LOOKING AT PAINTINGS” - Vincent van Gogh

His own work also had a resounding impact on a number of British artists. This dazzling exhibition currently on at Tate Britain is a brilliant exploration of cross references and aims to demonstrate the exchange of ideas apparent in the works on show.

Pollarded Willows, Vincent van Gogh - 1888

Pollarded Willows, Vincent van Gogh - 1888

Van Gogh embraced a daring use of colour, particularly yellows and blues - he even painted his own house in Arles yellow, filling it with his paintings of sunflowers.

"SUNFLOWERS ARE MINE” - Vincent van Gogh

HOW TO USE YELLOW… Yellow is a sunny fresh colour and is often described as a ‘feel-good‘ colour. Yellow looks particularly striking with strong background colours, but also just a splash of yellow, in cushions or accessories, teamed with grey furnishings provides a sophisticated take on the yellow theme.

Van Gogh surprised with his daring use of colour and frequently used colours not traditionally associated with skin tones. He also used colour to express emotion and depth of feeling. His backgrounds, brightly painted walls and interiors were often combined complimentary colours such as red & green and blue & orange.

HOW TO BE BOLD WITH COLOUR… It takes confidence to use these colours in an interior setting. We drew inspiration from Van Gogh’s unique understanding of colour and balance.

Little Greene paint collection includes paint colours from key periods in the history of decoration and provides free sample pots for you to try out. We’ve put together a selection from their range. While some colours may appear bold remember, you can always complement and restrain a strong colour statement by including white or soft greys.

EMBRACE WOOD & NATURAL MATERIALS… Van Gogh used simple furniture, in his Yellow House in Arles. His iconic wooden chair and bed are familiar from his paintings, together with his love of nature, this inspired us to take a look at how we can use the warmth of wood and natural materials in our own homes.

CREATE A WALL OF PICTURES... In his bedroom Van Gogh created his own gallery of pictures of friends and family, it was his way of personalizing his space, feeling connected and creating a sense of home. Instead of separating prints, photographs, paintings and framed images, try creating a wall of pictures mixing and matching styles, sizes and mediums to create a focal point in a hallway or feature wall.

Tate Britain has created a special menu inspired by the bold colours in Van Gogh’s work to accompany the show and we love this dish, which is a light hearted nod to his Starry Night over the Rhone.

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THE EXHIBITION
VAN GOGH AND BRITAIN
AT TATE BRITAIN UNTIL 11 AUGUST 2019
READ MORE HERE

Starry Night over the Rhone, Vincent van Gogh - 1888 Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Starry Night over the Rhone, Vincent van Gogh - 1888 Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Pierre Bonnard: The Colour of Memory at Tate Modern

When I think of the work of painter and printmaker Pierre Bonnard, I immediately conjure up his love of soft, yet intense colour schemes and languorous sense of domesticity. Precious time spent looking through a window, lying in a bath, relaxing on the sofa, and the appreciation of a typical French Bistro meal or a simple, well prepared, home-cooked meal.

© Pierre Bonnard. Detail from L'atelier au mimosa 1939-46.

© Pierre Bonnard. Detail from L'atelier au mimosa 1939-46.

His interest in food, particularly French Bistro cuisine, is apparent in his recurring use of the classic red check tablecloth. Tate Modern is even offering a special Bonnard-inspired menu while the show is on.

The current exhibition contains a couple of surprises, works which deviate from the domestic life of many of his most remembered works, but doesn’t disappoint in the huge array of paintings on show depicting the perfect state of domestic bliss. A subject which resulted in him being termed an ‘Intimist’. Having moved to the South of France he produced exquisite landscapes, often taking photographs and also painting from memory.

Often considered the last of the Impressionists, Bonnard was part of an avant-garde, Post-Impressionist group who called themselves Les Nabis, with an interest in flat colour. While Matisse was an admirer, Picasso was critical, calling Bonnard’s work “a pot pouri of indecision” because of they way he added colour upon colour, as he saw in nature, to build up his landscapes and natural forms.

It’s here we would have to disagree with Picasso’s view, because it is Bonnard’s visual appreciation, the very skill of layering colour and the way he perceived these colours, which gives his work a dreamlike quality and is perhaps also a reflection of his own reported calm nature. Although he is known for his paintings, Bonnard also designed furniture and developed textile pattern - his love of textiles is apparent in many of his paintings.

The skill of colour layering - knowing which colour hue and texture works with specific settings and to what effect - is at the heart of an interior designer’s craft. The exhibition is so inspiring we went in search of some interior ideas which reflect Bonnard’s love of nature, life and essentially the domestic interior as a place of personal expression and comfort…

This collection of textiles by John Derian for Designers Guild is a brilliant example of skillful and confident layering of pattern and colour.

Bonnard’s muse for over fifty years was his wife Marthe, he painted her repeatedly in the bathtub using dazzlingly, rich hues.

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The bathroom was also a form of therapy for her, and for many of us the bathroom is a retreat from the world and a wonderful place to relax and unwind. We’re sure she would have loved this selection of Victorian-style baths.

Bonnard’s other great inspiration was the domestic meal, whether a simple cup of coffee and cake, a bowl of fruit, or the anticipation of a meal, the dining table was a key theme. Not forgetting the ever present pet dachshund.

His red check tablecloth was a recurring theme… take a look at Ian Mankin fabrics, a long established company and the go-to supplier for the perfect check or stripe in a myriad of colour themes.

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Bonnard would often use white as a foil for his colour layering in his depiction of interiors. The use of white against a strong colour works well in a traditional interior and can be used to very good effect, adding a sense of sophistication as seen here in these paint colour examples from Paint & Paper Library.

Bonnard’s use of intense colour is often coupled with softer tones and pastels. Here are some examples of colour combinations which we think are effective in a variety of interiors both contemporary and traditional.

For more inspiration catch the Pierre Bonnard exhibition at Tate Modern until 6 May 2019

Click here for more information

Pierre Bonnard, Le déjeuner 1932.

Pierre Bonnard, Le déjeuner 1932.

Hygge… time to relax

It’s the time of year to think about cozying-up our homes… the Norwegians and the Danish have a word for it and we hear it used a lot, but what exactly is Hygge? Usually pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ or ‘hue-gah’. It comes from the old Norse word for hug, creating an association with caring which has led to the idea of using materials, textiles and furnishings that lend our homes a sense of well-being.

Sandra & Oli, owners of Blåbär, a Nordic lifestyle, cafe and shop in Putney believe everyone can benefit from some ‘more Nordicness’ in their lives.

By using textiles and materials in soft toning colours with occasional touches of stronger natural hues, such as blues, rusts and greens, the look is achievable even if you just want to create a small comfort zone rather than a complete make-over. While the look relies on a de-cluttered interior and a clean colour palette, the finished result shouldn’t be clinical. By embracing soft textures and the use of natural wood, your home will be infused with an inviting sense of comfort.

Nordic House have some lovely ideas for transforming even a small area of your home into a mindful retreat, or transforming your bathroom into your own mini spa with their candles and soft towels. 

The John Lewis Croft Collection, is another good starting point, either for a small cosy area such as a study, nook or bedroom, or for an allover look. The Croft range has a Scandinavian mid-century feel, well crafted in a restful palette of neutrals, softs greens and blue.

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H&M Home are due to open a new concept store in London’s Regent Street this spring, their current Home range includes both a conscious and organic range. We particularly fell for their very affordable washed cotton and linen range of textiles which perfectly capture the ethos of simplicity combined with comfort.

Designers Guild alongside an eclectic collection which encompasses both brights, pastels and florals, also produces a collection of textured weaves in subtle dyed yarns which perfectly conjure up a calm and natural colour palette.

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If you want to create a table setting with a Hygge vibe, look no further than this simple collection in neutral tones with natural woods and clean ceramics from Zara Home.

For an elegant city take on the Hygge atmosphere, Neptune have a complete home range including everything from bedrooms to patios.

Scandinavians are not deterred from being outside in the cold weather… with some outdoor heating, lanterns, candles, and rugs to wrap up in you can make use of a balcony or patio and brave the elements on fine days. Here are a few ideas from Cox & Cox.

Hygge style… a life more Nordic.

H&M Home

H&M Home

Edward Burne-Jones at Tate Britain

Burne-Jones was one of the last of the Pre-Raphaelites, taking the movement towards Symbolism. While still calling on the stories of myth and legend, his work reflected more on mood rather than the realistic depiction of the natural world, which had been at the heart of the original Pre-Raphaelite Movement.

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From his Fulham studio, alongside paintings, he also produced stained glass, tapestry, furniture and jewellery - which was very much in the ethos of the Arts and Crafts Movement of William Morris and Pre-Raphaelites such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

Having met William Morris and Rossetti, he abandoned his original studies and turned instead to creating works of brilliant colour and intensity.

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Like William Morris, he made no distinction between art and craft and became one of the main designers for Morris & Co. Taking inspiration from Edward Burne-Jones’ love of colour and his interest in family and home, we have sourced some furniture and furnishings to cosy-up-with during the cold winter months, conjuring up the lushness expressed in his work.

Sofa Workshop have a range of sofas which work well in both a neutral interior or with darker tones as seen here.

Sofasofa reflect painterly colours and hues, seen in many of Burne-Jones paintings including the subtle variations of colour reflected in this selection.

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We especially love the range from Neptune, a company we have featured before. Their respect for natural materials and craft is at the heart of their products. This range of soft furnishings from their collection both reflects the colours and the ethos of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

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The Grange

The Grange

Further inspiration from Burne-Jones own home ‘The Grange’….

Also try creating your own Pre-Raphaelite moodboard using Designers Guild easy online tool.

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THE EXHIBITION
EDWARD BURNE-JONES
AT TATE BRITAIN UNTIL 24 FEBRUARY 2019
READ MORE HERE

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones Detail from The Annunciation

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones Detail from The Annunciation

Anni Albers at Tate Modern

Galleries and museums didn’t show textiles, that was always considered craft and not art. When it’s on paper it’s art. Anni Albers 1984

Anni Albers, one of the foremost textiles designers of the twentieth century, is finally getting long overdue recognition in a major exhibition of her work at Tate Modern. Three hundred and fifty items will be on display including drawings and prints. Her weavings, often referred to as ‘pictorial weavings’, played an important role in re-defining craft as an art form.

Anni Albers Study for Unexecuted Wallhanging, 1926 © The Josef & Annie Albers Foundation

Anni Albers Study for Unexecuted Wallhanging, 1926 © The Josef & Annie Albers Foundation

As a young female art student at The Bauhaus School in the 1920’s, with a preference to becoming a painter, she was encouraged to take up weaving, then perceived as women’s art and therefore a more suitable course for the female students, textiles would become her key mode of artistic expression.

Anni Albers Card Weaving at Black Mountain College © State Archives of North Carolina

Anni Albers Card Weaving at Black Mountain College © State Archives of North Carolina

Many of her designs were inspired by the work of her teacher, the artist Paul Klee and fellow student & husband, Josef Albers. Ironically her woven wall hangings, shawls and blankets became one of the most successful products to come out of the school.

Her truth to materials, adherence to hand-crafting traditions combined with her modernist geometric patterns and the inclusion of the new synthetics also informed a more aesthetic approach to mass production.

Anni Albers Intersecting, 1962 © The Josef & Anni Albers Foundation / ARS / DACS

Anni Albers Intersecting, 1962 © The Josef & Anni Albers Foundation / ARS / DACS

Albers was fascinated by the traditional uses of textile and thread-making yet while adhering to traditional techniques she was also keen to produce items that combined aesthetic appeal with functionality.

Mass produced furniture and textiles play an important and essential part in our domestic lives, but the ancient arts of weaving and hand production are becoming ever more popular and a number of manufactures, artisans and craftspeople are responding by revitalising these traditions.

Angie Parker Textiles

Angie Parker Textiles

We took a look at some contemporary furnishings and fabrics currently available - many of which are inspired by Anni Albers and by traditional creative processes - and how we can integrate these ideas into our own interiors.

Bristol based, Angie Parker weaves intricate rugs, on a Glimakra Floor loom, she describes her beautiful rugs as ‘floor art’ and we have to agree, they are meticulously woven in re-claimed wool in a palette of unashamed bright colours. Watch her video below.

Christopher Farr Cloth designs bespoke fabrics using both digital and hand printing techniques drawing inspiration from a variety of creative sources including among others the design influence of Anni Albers.

Christopher Farr Cloth

Christopher Farr Cloth

We particularly like the textiles from Royal College of Art trained artist, Margo Selby. Weaving and high quality fibres are at the heart of her gorgeous textiles which include furnishing fabrics, rugs, art pieces and accessories all of which can be integrated into both traditional and contemporary interiors

Margo Selby

Margo Selby

All of the designs from Eleanor Pritchard are woven by highly skilled British weaving mills. Many use traditional shuttle looms in Lancashire, West Wales and Bute off the coast of Scotland. Like the Anni Albers designs many have a strong graphic quality with pared back geometrics using inky tones and occasional sharp accent colours, and again, work well in both contemporary and traditional design schemes. An exclusive granite colourway of Eleanor’s Dovetail Design has been made especially for the Anni Albers retrospective at Tate Modern.

Eleanor Pritchard’s Dovetail Granite blanket for Tate - Photo: Elliott Denny

Eleanor Pritchard’s Dovetail Granite blanket for Tate - Photo: Elliott Denny

Anni Albers is at Tate Modern until 27 January 2019

Click here for more information

Anni Albers Untitled , 1941 © The Josef & Anni Albers Foundation

Anni Albers Untitled, 1941 © The Josef & Anni Albers Foundation

Decorex International

London Design Festival 2018 is taking place between 15–23 September at a number of venues across London. It encompasses exhibitions, events and installations as well as being a showcase for some of the most talented and innovative designers. 

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Decorex International is a Partner Organisation of The London Design Festival. It’s a little further out of central London than many of the other contributors, but it’s definitely worth the journey to see so many brilliant designs in the gorgeous surroundings of Syon Park. Here were some of the exhibitors who caught our eye…

Jonathan Rogers - STAND K54

Rogers creates glass vessels using traditional blowing and finishing techniques, the finished pieces are understated and fluid, beautifully reflecting colour and light.

Bethan Gray - STAND B29

Bethan Gray’s design philosophy draws on various cultural references, combining contemporary practice with classical craft traditions of the East and West. Her signature style includes the use of luxurious materials with purity of line. 

Amy Kent Bespoke Rugs - STAND E40A

Amy Kent’s range of bespoke rugs is a beautiful collection of hand-made rugs, crafted in India and Kathmandu. The range combines a look that is both classic and contemporary, fitting in with either modern and more traditional interiors. 

Blackbird - STAND F28

Alongside an eclectic collection of lighting, mirrors, tables and home accessories, Blackbird is launching a new bespoke range at Decorex this year.

Paint and Paper Library - STAND C31

Paint and Paper Library offers a fabulous, carefully curated palette of over 180 unique colours, including a traditional, historical and a contemporary range to which they have added a range of wallpapers. 

A Rum Fellow - STAND A41

Finally we enjoyed what A Rum Fellow have to offer this year as we love their ethically produced artisan rugs and textiles which blend with both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Find out more about the London Design Festival here.

Shoreditch Style

Ahead of the London Design Festival 2018, we took a look at some of Shoreditch's creative companies, a number of whom will be exhibiting at this years festival. 

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In recent years the remains of Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre have been discovered. Historically Shoreditch was known for its links with theatre, entertainment and a thriving textile trade. Although much of this disappeared, the area is again a hub of creativity with many independent manufacturers, bars, restaurants and shops. Here's our favourites, which you can visit in a day enjoying the area and all within close proximity to each other with plenty of cafes and eateries for a quick refresh.

Check out The Clove Club in Shoreditch Town Hall for modern British cooking in an elegant interior.

Check out The Clove Club in Shoreditch Town Hall for modern British cooking in an elegant interior.

Claybrook recently moved into their new studio and showroom in Shoreditch. Across two floors you’ll find their gorgeous range of floor and wall tiles on display. Advice and samples are readily available. Here are some of our own favourite looks from the range...

Unto This Last  takes its name from an essay by John Ruskin, a leading Victorian art critic and patron, champion of the Pre-Rahaelites and supporter of the Arts and Crafts movement. The company operates a unique open studio from their Brick Lane premises, producing their furniture and products in full view of the customers. Their process allows them to cut down on costs by eliminating transport, warehousing and packaging costs - delivering direct from workshop to customer. We love the clean, simple lines of their hand-produced furniture and accessories.

20 years ago British Standard started out with a unique ethos, the name referring to exactly what they produced; primed ready to paint, standard sized cabinetry which can be fitted and painted by the customer in whatever configuration they want. Their design team help you every step of the way to achieve the kitchen or storage space you need. They've now added bespoke kitchens which they can install for you. We particularly like the simple understated designs.

As well as being a working studio, offering high quality restoration and re-upholstery, Shoreditch Design Rooms also offers accredited courses and individual classes, if you want to try your hand at a traditional craft. Shoreditch Design Rooms has established itself as the most innovative and successful upholstery training centre in the country, offering small class sizes and expert tuition.

For a truly unique shopping experience stop by Boxpark Shoreditch, the worlds first pop-up shopping mall. Constructed entirely from re-fitted shipping containers, the mall has everything from popular street food and global brands, to clothing and individual homewares suppliers. 

© Time Out

Originally an on-line store, Decorum now have a presence in Boxpark... this homewares store stocks an eclectic mix of vintage, modern and contemporary items and supports new and up-and-coming designers and artisans.

Labour and Wait is another shop with an interesting name which this time takes its inspiration from a poem by Longfellow. Their approach to the selection of items on sale is based on simplicity, functionality, and endurance - items which mellow over time and are not discarded but improve with age. Trading for over 18 years, they are housed in a former Victorian pub, with branches in Dover Street Market London & New York and Sendagaya Tokyo.

Don’t forget to stop by Luna & Curious, an independent miniature department store owned by three creatives with a vision to offer a wonderful mix of products focusing on British manufacture.

Well made in England and designed for you, is a key concept of Kent & London. Their custom made crafted furniture and kitchens using English woods are hand-built to last and become an integral part of your lifestyle. Pop in to their large airy space in Shoreditch to see their range of kitchens, furniture and homewares.

Monologue London is a contemporary concept store on the popular Redchurch Street in Shoreditch. They focus on conceptual design, emerging designers, interiors and homeware. Monologue carries an exclusive selection of curated items for the home and a handpicked range of design accessories and furniture. 

We'll be reviewing the London Design Festival 2018 taking place this September.

Summer in the City

Now that summer's really here we’re heading outdoors... London's art galleries and museum spaces such as Somerset House, The Royal Academy and Tate are taking advantage of the summer months and providing outdoor activities including theatre, film screenings, food vans and urban beaches.

Lombok

Lombok

For those lazy days and evenings when you just want to relax at home we had a look at a few ideas for transforming our personal outdoor space into a cool and calming urban retreat. We love Lombock’s Sambala Collection... perfect for outdoors but just as beautiful inside if you want to create a garden atmosphere or use in a conservatory. The range is part of the Trees4Trees scheme - with every item purchased from the Sambala collection, a contribution will be made towards planting new trees in Indonesia. Each piece is handcrafted from reclaimed Indonesian teak which is then distressed by hand, enhancing the natural characteristics of the wood. 

Lombok - Sambala Collection

Lombok - Sambala Collection

With London’s microclimate, tropical plants can thrive, and just a few grouped together, either in borders or containers around a carefully curated seating or dining area can create the illusion of a tropical retreat. Urban Tropics based in London’s Highgate, show us how to transform even the smallest patio or balcony into a green haven, including advice on bursts of tropical flowers and plants which can thrive in the city.

Urban Tropics

Urban Tropics

We were delighted to discover East London Parasol Company - each of their parasols is traditionally handcrafted. The company maintains an ethos of producing ethical artisanal parasols and textiles. Many of the processes can't be mechanised, and if they were, the beauty and personality of the fabrics would be lost. 

Their textiles and cushions range can transform the most English garden into a tropical retreat.

Opium in Chelsea’s Worlds End is a treasure trove of Indian artifacts including antiques, furniture, mirrors and screens alongside contemporary crafts from India including these hand-made bamboo screens which could be used to create a shaded and secluded area, either on a balcony, patio or greenhouse.

Opium

Opium

Use an antique mirror to reflect your greenery and add a sense of space and vista to an area of your garden, or place a carved screen against a wall for an instant transformation.

Vintage throws on a chair or sofa, and the addition of candles and small artifacts completes the effect.

Here are some other ideas to complete the look... 

Even if you don’t have an outdoor space you can still create a cool green oasis indoors. The benefits of indoor greenery go further than the purely aesthetic. Plants are known to provide cleaner air by removing pollutants and can act as a mood enhancer. Patch will source and hand-deliver indoor plants suited to your environment and provide handy tips for easy plant maintenance.

For more garden inspo take a look at our previous Frida Kahlo blog. 

Urban Tropics

Urban Tropics

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2018

"It's a celebration of making stuff!" Grayson Perry RA.

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The Royal Academy 250th Summer Exhibition is in full swing until August 19th. As the largest open submission exhibition in the world unknown, emerging and lesser known artists have the opportunity of seeing their work displayed among the work of the famous.

© Royal Academy of Arts

© Royal Academy of Arts

The summer show has run continuously for 250 years and this year proves to be one of the most colourful shows so far... as we would expect having been coordinated by Grayson Perry RA.

© Royal Academy of Arts

© Royal Academy of Arts

Looking around  at the eclectic selection of painting, sculpture, film and prints which are highly representative of what is happening in the contemporary art world, I wonder what early critics would have made of today’s selection! 

Joana Vasconcelos - ROYAL VALKYRIE - on display in the Wohl Central Hall

Joana Vasconcelos - ROYAL VALKYRIE - on display in the Wohl Central Hall

It is hard to believe that in the late 1800’s the then rebellious young Pre-Raphaelite painters were vilified by the press and public. Even the great writer Charles Dickens, railed against their "wasted talent"! When Millais’ painting of Ophelia was displayed in the Summer Exhibition of 1852 critics slated it, now of course it is one of the gems of Tate Britain’s collection. The two buildings of the Royal Academy were recently united with a new corridor where Millais' paint palette is on display. Clearly, he was eventually forgiven!

The artworks spill over into a greater area than in past years, and as this is a celebratory year there are plenty of other activities, talks and workshops taking place. Don’t miss The Great Spectacle or the Friday Lates when the gallery stays open until 10pm, and enjoy music and a cocktail in the courtyard from the comfort of a deckchair.

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With so much on view it’s hard to make a choice... we’ve made a pick of some of our most coveted from around £400 to £50,000.

THE 250TH RA SUMMER EXHIBITION 2018
AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY NOW UNTIL 19TH AUGUST
READ MORE HERE

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Mallorcan Ikat and Mediterranean Inspiration

'Ikat is an artistic technique that is quite remarkable, exciting and transcendental' - Pablo Picasso, 1957

Mallorcan Ikat has become emblematic of the artisanal heritage of the Island and is its unique version of Central Asian Ikat fabrics. Weaving and ceramic production are of great historical importance in Mallorca, and the skills and individual variation of styles have been handed down through several generations. 

© Teixits Vicens

© Teixits Vicens

Ikat is known on the island as ‘the cloth of tongues’ (llengues) because of the impression of a flame created by some of the patterns. 

© Teixits Vicens

© Teixits Vicens

There are three families of textile producers of Ikat fabrics, each with their own unique style and products. It's possible to take fascinating guided tours and watch the ancient weaving and hand processes they employ. One thing they share in common, as well as following a centuries old tradition, is that they all take inspiration from the mediterranean.

© Teixits Riera

© Teixits Riera

Teixits Riera is a family based artisanal textile workshop founded in 1896. Based in Lloseta, the company is dedicated to a manufacturing process which follows a time-honoured process handed down through generations of their family and nurtures a high regard for preserving the artisanal heritage of Mallorca. Their textiles are inspired by their proximity to the Serra de Tramuntana, the mountain range which cuts across the Island revealing incredible vistas of sea and mountain peaks. These vistas are reflected in the patterns and motifs of their designs. All Teixits Riera fabrics are of natural material... here are some of their colourful designs.

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Teixits Vicens. At a young age and working from the notes left by his textile weaver father, Martí Vicenç went on to dedicate his life to continuing the family traditions, developing his own style of ‘llengües'. He expanded the classic patterns using traditional colours of dark & light blues, greens & yellows, combining new colorways and creating a freer style incorporating multi-colours, plains and stripes while staying true to the hand-made production ethos of his family. Inspired by nature and natural objects he also became a painter. His tradition continues and you can visit the factory in Pollença which also produces ceramics.

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Here is our pick of the range on offer... sadly the adorable dog is not for sale!

Artesania Textil Bujosa founded in 1949 and located in Santa María del Camí just 15km from Palma, is a family-run business managed by a third generation of artisans. Alongside the iconic Ikat ‘telas de lenguas’ they also produce a range of silks, cottons and linens using traditional craft techniques and natural hand-dyed colours in stripes and plains.

While putting together some interior ideas inspired by the Ikat principles we were delighted to discover A Rum Fellow, a London-based design studio dedicated to artisan textiles and a desire for beautifully crafted homewares. Calling on artisans and weaving cooperatives discovered on their worldwide travels, the collection embraces a fine balance between heritage design and a contemporary lifestyle... an ethos which very much reflects the design principles of Devas Designs. Here are some examples from their range.

And here are some further Ikat and mediterranean inspired designs.

To find out more about the Ikat process watch this short video from the Teixits Riera factory.

Omega and Beyond

Omega Workshops and The Bloomsbury Group

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"It is time that the spirit of fun was introduced into furniture and into fabrics." Roger Fry

Charleston interior © The Charleston Trust

Charleston interior © The Charleston Trust

Omega Workshops opened in July 1913 - the artists involved were members of The Bloomsbury Group... Vanessa Bell, Roger Fry and Duncan Grant. They were inspired by the work of Arts & Crafts pioneer William Morris, and like Morris, wanted to combine art with design, reject the new mass production and remove the separation between fine art and craft. 

Following in the Arts & Crafts tradition they felt that a well-crafted chair or a beautiful textile design was every bit as important as a fine painting, their work also grew out of a love of nature and a desire for their designs to sit alongside their paintings.

During its short lived existence Omega Workshops produced a range of objects for the home including ceramics, furniture, rugs, glassware, and even clothing - all incorporating bold colours, geometric forms and abstract patterns. Sadly it’s closure was due to what Fry described as ‘public indifference'. It’s hard to believe when today we place so much importance on our home and many of us, interior designers and home-makers alike enjoy the creative challenge of curating a personal environment.

Monk’s House , East Sussex, the home of Virginia Wolfe, sister of Vanessa Bell, decorated by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.

Monk’s House, East Sussex, the home of Virginia Wolfe, sister of Vanessa Bell, decorated by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.

Omega Workshops radical approach to home interiors and design went on to have a far-reaching effect on decoration as seen in these homewares from Anthropologie.

Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant eventually set up home at Charleston Farmhouse near Lewes in East Sussex... in May a festival takes place in celebration of their ethos and working partnership.

The garden at Charleston © The Charleston Trust

The garden at Charleston © The Charleston Trust

Cressida Bell is the granddaughter of Vanessa, and while her work reflects the influence of her famous heritage, she has created her own take and unique style across a range of gorgeous decorative items... from textiles to ceramics and lamps to bespoke cakes! Samples of her beautiful work are shown below - you can also visit her workshop in Hackney.