British designer Rory Hutton creates new scarfs with interior design and stately homes as main theme

British textile designer, artist and historian Rory Hutton is launching a new range of silk scarfs, created with interior design aficionados in mind.  The collection draws inspiration from two distinct sources; the Aesthetic home inspired by 19th century tastemakers William Morris, Oscar Wilde and their artistic circle, as well as a whimsical take on the grand rooms of the stately home.

Blue Aesthete Scarf by Rory Hutton inspired by iconic 19th century tastemakers.

These classic 90x90cm silk scarves feature an iconic quote from William Morris (the iconic designer of the Arts and Crafts Movement) - Have nothing in your house which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful - which has been lino-printed in an Arts and Crafts style font. 

The quote was frequently used by Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde in his lectures on taste and decoration, and perfectly sums up the Aesthetic approach to interior design, and is just as relevant to designers and decorators in the 21st century as it was in the 19th century, said Rory.

Green Aesthete Scarf by
Rory Hutton.

Alongside the quote is a classic Sussex chair. Based on vernacular furniture and designed by Philip Webb this chair was the must have item of artistic furniture for the aesthetic decorator.

The design also features sunflowers in Chinese style vases. Sunflowers are one of the most iconic emblems of the Aesthetic movement and were used widely on all kinds of household wares. Many followers of the movement collected blue and white Chinese and Japanese porcelains, James McNeill Whistler and Dante Gabrielle Rossetti among them.

The Stately Home is the theme of another collection by Rory Hutton.  

Scarf in 90 cm x 90 cm - Rococo Hounds by Rory Hutton.
All his scarfs, along with shawls, greeting cards and accessories are available on his website,
a perfect place for sourcing gifts for Christmas and all occasions.

These elaborate prints feature ornately framed portraits of family dogs, rococo side chairs, humped back sofas, flamboyant bouquets influenced by floral designer Constance Spry and gilt pier glasses in the Chinoiserie taste. All elements combine to create an elaborate whimsical pattern.

In developing these designs Rory Hutton drew on his collection of sketchbooks where he has recorded details from visits to stately homes and auction houses over many years. The designer’s signature lino cut prints have a lively and characterful appearance with many playful details to delight.

Rory Hutton begins his creations as drawings, which are turned into linocuts and hand-printed before being digitally composed and coloured. The designs are then sent to Lake Como in Italy where they are digitally printed on to the finest Italian silk.  His collections have included luxury scarves, ties, pocket squares, bow ties and also socks.  His prints have also been licensed by museums and galleries for use on a number of complementary products including tote bags, greetings cards, stationary, ceramics and even soap.