I came across an interesting article a couple of months ago in the ArtsDesign section of the Guardian, about a couple of textile designers called Paul Simmons and Alistair McAuley, aka ‘The Timorous Beasties’. They both grew up in Scotland and went to Glasgow School of Art in the late 1980’s and are currently running two leading and cutting edge textile design shops in both London and Glasgow.
What I admire them both for, is their perception of this kind of market and how they went about penetrating it. They boldly went forward with no inhibitions and did what they wanted and what they enjoyed doing. They set out to supply wallpapers and fabrics that are beautiful, but beautiful in a different way.
They were bored of what the likes of Ikea and Habitat had done for the vast majority of homes throughout the UK, so they endeavoured to make a change and produce some controversial, striking and unique designs, in order to boost the UK’s back room décor and make people pay attention to this niche and set its mark in the design hierarchy. Their wallpapers (as shown) in particular, appear to be more of a statement than just ‘a’ wallpaper. Rather than simply incorporating a passive style, they have made a feature of what people can now expect from wallpaper design. Some of these designs still conform somewhat to previous styles, however the difference being that they have left behind that soft romanticised appearance, and instead have been thrust forward to show a vibrant, provoking and zestful character.
Have you ever seen a company that produces such arresting and controversial wallpaper designs…
2 comments:
i really like the variation and attitude towards the designs, it showes they are not worried and dont want to go for all this plain stuff, and with property being a big market with all refurbing its a good area. Even though i probably couldnt do my own house in any of the prints they could make a great feature wall in some place.
Wallpaper is becoming a lot more popular nowadays...people like to create a 'feature wall' in their homes, adding a touch of class by putting up an unusual design, patterns that make people stop and stare. I really like these prints, they make unusual patterns look very sophisticated.
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