I am a great admirer of design, mid century modern in particular. So I decided to start posting bits about my favorite designers, architects and artists.
The first installment will be about the British answer to Charles and Ray Eames – Lucienne and Robin Day. Unlike the Eames, Robin and Lucienne Day did not design together, she did textiles and he did furniture. They trained before the WWII but only got to design properly after the war was over when rationing was in place and the furniture making was very challenging.
They both rose to fame during the Festival of Britain in 1951 and became design icons instantly.
Lucienne, who passed away earlier this year, excelled in textile design with abstract ebullient patterns inspired by modern artists like Joan Miro. Her fabrics are very vibrant, playful and still very much in fashion.
One of Lucienne’s most famous patterns: Calyx
Perpetua
Herb Antony fabric designed for Heals
More Heals fabrics
Her style still feels very fresh and cheerful, I wouldn’t mind a couple of cushions or curtains made with her fabrics in my apartment.
Robin Day created furniture for the South Bank’s Royal Festival Hall and for manufacturer Hille. His designs are light and elegant, his use of material is very clever making for functional affordable furniture (well, not anymore) and easy storage.
Armchair designed for the Royal Festival Hall
Stacking chairs for Hille
Room setting by Robin Day with textiles by Lucienne
I think a visit to V&A’s Study Rooms is in order to have a closer look at Lucienne’s creations.
Ha! Have posted about the Robin Day for John Lewis chairs today… Have you seen them? Nice an affordable…
Ha! Have posted about the Robin Day for John Lewis chairs today… Have you seen them? Nice an affordable…
Perpetua and Hille chairs – wouldn’t mind as a gift or something:) I’m a fan of your series already. Thank you for sharing!
read me: no way, that’s funny, haven’t seen them yet. exciting!
stuffedmice: I am with you, I’ve been looking for them at car boot sales for ages.
amazing and so cool!! so happy that you posted this!!! :)
isn’t it? too many nice things out there!
Oh wonderful, I’m looking forward to more posts on your fave designers. Gorgeous stuff. xx
more coming soon. x