NOW & THEN: Textiles by Louise Wilkinson and Josef Frank

PIllows in a brand new line of fabrics by British ceramist and illustrator Louise Wilkinson.

When it comes to home textiles, there is a new kid in town.  British ceramicist and illustrator Louise Wilkinson introduced a new line of velvet fabrics last month at Tent London during the 2015 London Design Festival.  Each pattern is overflowing with fluidity and color. They all have a large bold repeat.  These fabrics are so new that they are not even on Louise's website yet, so you need to be content with the few photos I shot when I attended Tent.  I wish I took more.

Textiles by Louise Wilkinson

Textiles by Louise Wilkinson

The fabrics are quite a departure from Wilkinson's sweet but more restrained ceramics.

Ceramics by Louise Wilkinson.

Interestingly, although these are Wilkinson's first fabrics for the home, she started her career in textile design in the fashion industry.  It's great to see her return to her roots with this collection.

I think Louise's new fabrics explore natural and geometrical motifs in a manner similar to the textiles of Josef Frank.

Textiles by Josef Frank

Josef Frank's linen fabrics have a cult following.  He designed over 200 patterns in the years between 1909 and 1950, typically with bold shapes and colors.  Most of his fabrics have a biomorphic take on nature with exaggerated motifs.  Others are more geometric, with the middle of the last century's futuristic vibe.  A few are quieter and recall the designs of William Morris.

now and then josef frank inside

Frank's fabrics (seen below), like Louise Wilkinson's new line, all have a sense of movement and freedom, and simply burst with life when brought into the home.  Yes, I am a fan of both.  

When you see Louise Wilkinson's new line, do you feel the Josef Frank vibe like I do?

Photo credits: Josef Frank collage by Bird.  Room shot showing Frank textiles via Amber Interior Design.   Louise Wilkinson ceramics photo from her website.  All other photos by Lynn Byrne.