October's British House and Garden takes us through the process of labor-intensive, hand printed wallpaper with designer Lizzie Allen. Only 26 years old, Allen used a grant given by the British Arts and Crafts Council to set up her own business, shortly after apprenticeships with Osborne & Little and Paul Smith.
Pictured above is one of her complex and charming designs, City Gents, depicting classic scenes in London and reminiscent of illustrators like Miroslav Sasek. A single 300 x 56 cm sheet takes three hours to produce and includes hand-ripped paper for texture. Since prints are fit specifically to the space, there is no leftover paper waste.
Because her initial offerings have been such a success, Allen is expanding her catalog to include other picturesque cities. Above is her latest design, "Jazz in Central Park". For more information and designs, Lizzie Allen's website. (Photos from British House and Garden by John Carey)
Those are some original patterns -- really cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the intro. Is it just Monday morning bleary eyes, or do I see a little Toulouse-Lautrec?
ReplyDeleteI would agree--the pallete is similarly muted too. I think it would be fun just to frame a panel of these.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I had never heard of her before this introduction.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to frame a panel of these--loved reading a little about the history and process too.
ReplyDeleteI would certainly use a framed panel in my house. Wonder if Atlanta will make the list of picturesque cities?!?
ReplyDeleteWhat fun - and very original -these are. I wish I could get my hands on a catalog.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this used framed or in a hallway. They are sure to be a conversation starter.
These are so much fun. I would never hang these in my own home, but I'd be thrilled to walk in and see them in somebody else's!
ReplyDeleteDelightful! I'm loving the pics of the young artist at work. These are perfectly charming prints - and very reminiscent of the witty Miroslav Sasek, as you so capably point out.
ReplyDeleteThese are definitely charming, and it's always nice to have something in your home that is whimsical (but not kitschy!), and I think this wallpaper fits the bill!
ReplyDeleteOoh... GREAT post!!! How was your weekend, lovely???
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! I love Lizzie's wallpapers, so fun and clever!
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing! I love the collage-y, mixed-media look of the men with the newspapers!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with the call of framing a panel. Fab.
now i know to buy that issue!
ReplyDeletethanks.
I've just bought this fantastic book called 'This is London' by M Sasek. Am I the onlyone to see this? I can't see the creative genius at work here at all. Sorry to burst the bubble people.
ReplyDeleteAnne Nickolson
I totally and utterly disagree with Anne Nickolson's post. All artists and designers have their own influences and inspirations, and no-one works in a vacuum (apart from the Japanese, for example, when their country was isolated in the 1800s). There may be references, but by no means are they copies of the work by M.Sasek. I have had the pleasure of working for Lizzie, and I have seen the way she creates her designs from scratch and it is a true inspiration to all. Keep up the excellent work Lizzie!
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