I think hand block printing has to be one of the most beautiful ways of printing textiles. There is something so special about the way the intricately carved blocks slowly place layer upon layer of pattern and colour. It is completely unmatched by anything a machine could ever create. Handed down from generation to generation, the wonderful art of block printing dates back to the 12th century in India. Tents were made from beautiful printed fabrics and became a necessary part of royal processions. Can you just picture how glorious it would have been to see a bejewelled maharaja on top of an elephant, shielded from the sun by a billowing tent of sumptuous block printed patterns? My idea of heaven!
My love of block printed fabrics began on my first visit to Jaipur more than 20 years ago when I was lured by the delicate traditional mogul designs and the fine cotton voiles they were printed on.
A few years later I had the opportunity to spend time in a family run block printing factory with the guidance of a colour master and master printer. I gained such a deep appreciation for this magical craft after seeing how much patience and precision it requires.
Since then I have had so much joy experimenting and developing my own designs and creating original textiles. There are endless possibilities with different colour combinations on gorgeous natural fibres. I most love working on natural linen and silk for both home decor and fabric collections.
Here is a little teaser of what we have coming up for the Autumn/Winter collection...
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