Very Sanderson: 150 Years of English Decoration
The ARTS THREAD team visited the Fashion & Textiles Museum’s (FTM) latest inspirational offering – Very Sanderson: 150 Years of English Decoration.
This small but beautifully formed exhibition in London is a must see for anyone with a passion for textiles or interiors. It’s also a landmark event for the iconic Sanderson brand, who over the past 150 years have been at the forefront of British decoration and, more importantly, have lived to tell the tale.
Sanderson archive prints: Lucienne Day; Dandelion Clocks by Fiona Howard
Founded by Arthur Sanderson in 1860, the company is famous for producing the first coordinated collection of mass-produced wallpapers and fabrics in Britain. It is also Sanderson we have to thank for giving us English chintz, but there is far more to the exhibition then just classic florals. Visitors can expect to see the social history of the last century laid out through a series of mocked up interiors – from the elaborate Arts & Crafts and jazzy moderne styles to sophisticated fifties designs and Pop patterns.
‘Even those who think they know the Sanderson story will be surprised to find just how great the company’s contribution was, not only in matters of design, but by being in the forefront of technological developments.’ says Mary Schoeser, co-curator of Very Sanderson: 150 Years of English Decoration.
Sanderson Tulip print; Sanderson print dresses at FTM event; Sanderson Tulip print
It’s apparent why Sanderson has earnt its place as a stalwart of British decoration history. Having amassed an archive to make any designer weep with joy, the exhibition features reproductions of vintage prints in hanging swathes and oversized swatches. Alongside there is a showcase of new Sanderson designs inspired by their rich archive, including ARTS THREAD favourite ‘Dandelion Clocks’ designed by Fiona Howard.
It’s not just the fabric and wallpapers which will fascinate, but also the wooden printing blocks preserved like relics in glass cases; embossed leather papers and vintage advertising posters, which really illustrate the depth of history behind the textiles brand.
Sanderson chair & cushion; Print swatches; Sanderson Trinidad print
Also a key feature is the art and fashion collaboration between Sanderson, the contemporary artist Nina Saunders and independent footwear designer Tracey Neuls. The Fashion and Textiles exhibition includes a large-scale sculpture by Saunders – a morphed, melting piece of furniture upholstered in floral Sanderson which appears to be devouring a fox into its folds. Neuls continues this playful and unexpected use of Sanderson fabrics with a series of bespoke and sculptural shoes.
Chair sculpture by Nina Saunders: Shoes by Tracey Neuls using Sanderson fabrics
Over its history Sanderson has worked with many important figures in the world of art and design from William Morris, Christopher Dresser and Picasso to FTM founder Zandra Rhodes, who was there at the exhibition launch to cut the ribbon. These partnerships have shaped the history of Sanderson and will potentially see one of Britain’s last remaining textiles companies continue to influence the next 150 years of British decoration.
The Very Sanderson: 150 Years of English Decoration exhibition continues at the Fashion & Textiles Museum until 13th June 2010.
Image credits: FTM images photography by Kirstin Sinclair
