Interior Trend: Fiona Howard Wallpapers launch new Border Collection

Wallpaper borders were one of the biggest trends of the 90s, and three decades later they are back for a new generation of interior aficionados, according to Fiona Wallpapers.

Jasmine Leaf Border in Turquoise by Fiona Howard Wallpapers
A fresh border of a twisting leaf vine in one colour on a white background. It creates a decor statement above a half-panelled wall or dado rail, around a doorway or around the room below a ceiling.

Fiona Howard Wallpapers' collection of three designs offer a fresh take for interior design.  Comprising Jasmine Leaf, Sunflower and Squiggle, the Border Collection was created to complement existing Fiona Howard designs, or to be used as a standalone interior statement.

Fiona Howard, Founder of Fiona Howard Wallpapers, said: “Wallpaper borders were huge in the 90s but fell out of fashion as minimalism and neutrals took centre stage. However, as homeowners once again embrace maximalism and punchy colours, borders are making a comeback.

“But the biggest difference between now and the 90s is how we use them. With social media inspiring many interior design decisions, homeowners are becoming bolder and more creative.”

Squiggle Border in Buttermilk from Fiona Howard Wallpapers
A versatile squiggle border in a warm buttermilk yellow. This could be an accent around a doorway, above a dado rail, or around the top of a room. 

Squiggle is a 60s-inspired design. Measuring a diminutive 8.6cm in height, Squiggle was created to be used as a decorative border around architectural features, such as windows, doors and wardrobe panelling. It is available in six colourways and exudes mid-century styling.

Sunflower Border in Blue from Fiona Howard Wallpapers
Two shades of blue border depicting a stylised sunflower with pretty wiggly edges. 

Nature-inspired Sunflowers offers a stylised take on the classic floral and has been created to bring joy wherever it is used, be it a nursery or child’s bedroom or the more utilitarian spaces of the home such as the kitchen and bathroom. Use it around the top of a room or above panelling in a breakfast nook for a standout finish. Blackcurrant and Putty are among the five colours it is available in.

Jasmine Leaf in Bark Hires from Fiona Wallpapers
A lovely fresh border of a twisting leaf vine in one colour on a white background. 

Jasmine Leaf is wide and generous, making a design statement where it is used. Whether it is used to add interest above a dado rail or in a half-panelled room, this botanical-inspired border will command attention. It’s available in five different colourways including Bark and Turquoise, which are both tipped to be THE shades of 2026, according to Fiona Howard.

Fiona said: “Unlike wallpapering entire walls or rooms, hanging a border offers a fuss-free style update, especially for those short on time or working to a strict budget.”

The new borders can be used to create a visual division in a room and complement half-wall wood panelling, as well as add drama and interest as a ceiling border, and are also impactful when used to frame windows and doors, as well as when applied to furniture pieces like dressers and headboards for a personalised touch.

Fiona Howard, a British designer renowned for contemporary classics like Sanderson’s Dandelion Clocks, has spent the last 30 years establishing her reputation in home furnishings and textile design, collaborating closely with clients around the globe.

All images courtesy of Fiona Howard Wallpapers.

Interior Trend: Lemieux et Cie’s History-Inspired Wallpaper Collection Now at Beautiful Walls

Wallpaper is having a nostalgic comeback in interior design, and Lemieux et Cie’s latest collection captures this perfectly. Designed by Christiane Lemieux, each design in the collection draws on historical wallpaper styles from around the world, crafted meticulously by hand.

Lemieux Et Cie Zora Wave - Denim, available at Beautiful Walls
Artistic brushstrokes interpret waves in motion that crash and swirl from the central wellsprings of Zora Waves.  A retrospective from the private collections of Christiane Lemieux featuring global, artistic, and handcrafted designs. 

It is typified by richly layered designs that are effortlessly relaxed, according to Tim Dixon, Managing Director of retailer Beautiful Walls.  

Tim said: “This collection was inspired by the wallpaper classics of years gone by, and given a modern update for 21st century living.

“While each design within the collection has been created for visual impact, there is a subtleness to the range to ensure it works in harmony with existing home styling.”

Lemieux Et Cie Rousseau Paperweave - Indigo, available at Beautiful Walls
The hand-dyed yarns of an Indonesian ikat influence Rousseau Paperweave's diamond tapestry weave made from organic paper. 

 

The collection offers 14 unique designs, spanning geometric patterns, florals, painterly motifs, and tapestry-inspired prints, with an abstract mural of rolling ocean waves as a standout piece. Each design draws from Christiane Lemieux’s private archives, showcasing global, artistic, and handcrafted influences. Her brand, Lemieux Et Cie, epitomizes luxury through minimalist refinement—richly layered yet with an effortless, relaxed elegance. This deeply personal style reflects a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the beauty of imperfection, as described by Beautiful Walls.

Lemieux Et Cie Painterly Labyrinth - Navy, available at Beautiful Walls
Known as the Venice of Provence, the canals and bridges of this dockside town give Martigue Stripe its coastal sophistication.

Highlights include Painterly Labyrinth, a design inspired by the structures of an ancient maze, which is available in five colourways, and Orly Tigers, which depicts the heirloom prayer rugs from Tibetan monasteries.

Lemieux Et Cie Orly Tigers - Taupe/Charcoal, available at Beautiful Walls
The heirloom prayer rugs of Tibetan monasteries inspired European tapestries
such as the stylized rendering of Orly Tigers. 

The look of handcrafted artisanal weaves is brought to life in Kami Paperweave, while Plein Air Palms is an impressionist take on palm fronds.

Lemieux Et Cie Plein Air Palms - Green, available at Beautiful Walls
Artistic brushstrokes create an outdoor landscape of Impressionist palm fronds and stems in Plein Air Palms. 

Tim added: “This is a curation that pushes boundaries with texture, pattern, and colour, offering a unique way to elevate your space. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of damask or the modern edge of geometric prints, this collection has something for all interior fans.”

Lemieux Et Cie Avril Chinoiserie - Coral, available at Beautiful Walls
Western paintings of flowering branches compose Avril Chinoiserie with the exotic air of mystery associated with classic Asian art and style.

New York-based LEMIEUX ET CIE was launched in 2020 by designer and home furnishings entrepreneur Christiane Lemieux with a focus on the creative design process, partnering with master artisans and producers around the globe, and letting the creative process happen.

Beautiful Walls is a family-run business boasting exclusive wallpaper collections to suit all interior tastes.  It started as The London Paperhanging Company in 1854.

All images courtesy of Beautiful Walls.

Textiles Trade Fair: Première Vision Paris announces February and September 2025 event dates

Première Vision Paris is an essential event for professionals to explore upcoming trends in textiles, colours, materials, and design. Held twice annually, the fair allows industry players to stay ahead of seasonal trends while offering exhibitors a valuable platform to showcase cutting-edge fabrics, sustainable materials, and innovations in textile production. This keeps designers, brands, and manufacturers globally inspired and competitive within an ever-evolving market.

The fair brings together the entire textile value chain—from yarns to fabrics, designs, leather, accessories, and smart creation—catering to markets ranging from luxury and premium to mass distribution. This holistic approach positions Première Vision as a global observatory, capturing the evolution of an industry undergoing both structural and cyclical transformations.

In 2025, Première Vision Paris will return to its traditional February and September schedule. Additionally, Blossom Première Vision, its sister event, will shift to early summer and December, enhancing alignment with the industry's rapid pace and changing needs.

The GL events Fashion Division, responsible for Première Vision, announced this new schedule to support the industry’s shift toward sustainable transformation, technological advancement, changing consumer habits, and evolving economic demands. 

According to Florence Rousson, General Manager of GL events Fashion Division, these changes represent “the first strong steps in a new strategy” aimed at supporting the industry’s transformation. She emphasized that these adjustments are driven by GL events’ commitment to reshaping the industry, reinforcing Première Vision’s role as a catalyst for growth.

With 19 annual events, GL events’ fashion division includes Première Vision, Tranoï, and Fashion Source shows, creating a unique hub that addresses modern challenges in the global fashion market. As a vital part of the creative industry, this division fosters collaboration and debate among creative professionals worldwide.

Face-to-face interactions at international trade fairs remain invaluable for building strong global business relationships, enabling richer communication and collaboration than is typically possible through remote means.

All photos from Première Vision Paris February 2024 event by Lucia Carpio

Home and Contract Textiles Fair: Heimtextil 2025 to Unveil New Design Trend Curator and Expanded Product Offerings from January 14–17 in Frankfurt

Heimtextil, one of the world’s largest and most influential trade fairs for home and contract textiles, serves as a major platform for manufacturers, designers, and retailers in the textile and interior design industries. The fair showcases the latest trends, innovations, and insights across home textiles, furnishings, and sustainable materials.

Organized by Messe Frankfurt, Heimtextil will next take place from January 14-17 2025 in its extensive exhibition grounds in Frankfurt. The event will span 16 hall levels dedicated to various textile categories, from fibres and yarns to finished products, providing a comprehensive market overview.

On a visit to London in October, Ivonne Seifert, Heimtextil's Director of Marketing Communications, shared that to-date approximately 2,900 exhibitors from 60 countries are set to present their latest collections, materials, and textile solutions, each showcasing current trends and innovations. Seifert highlighted that the upcoming event would introduce new highlights and additions, making Heimtextil a prime destination for trade visitors eager to expand their textile knowledge. As a networking and knowledge hub, Heimtextil aids companies in future-proofing their development and growth.

In response to growing demand for trend guidance, Heimtextil has, for the first time, enlisted Milan-based design platform Alcova to curate the Heimtextil Trends 25/26.  Additionally, world-renowned designer and architect Patricia Urquiola will bring textile design to life with an exclusive installation under the theme “among-us” in the Trend Arena.

Click HERE to read the full article.

All photos from Heimtextil January 2024 event, courtesy of Messe Frankfurt.

Interiors Product Launch: British Home interiors brand Laura Ashley launches Autumn/Winter 2024 range

As the weather gets cooler and we step into autumn, British home and interiors brand Laura Ashley invites us to step into a modern country story with Rustic Charm, as we look into developing an intimate story for a residential bedroom project.

Wallpapers and soft furnishings from Laura Ashley showcase feminine ditsy florals with the modern nostalgia of on-trend terracotta orange and autumnal hues.

The new Autumn Winter collection from Laura Ashley featuring warm colour palettes, soft details, and luxurious fabrics, evokes a welcoming and inviting ambience, perfectly suited for snug evenings in autumn, creating a cosy and relaxed atmospher.

This story features a blend of neutral tones and autumnal hues, complemented by large scale floral prints.

Helen Ashmore, Laura Ashley's Head of Design, notes: “Terracotta is more than just a colour; it’s a statement of warmth and comfort. Incorporating this shade into your home, whether through wallpaper, sleepwear, or even carpets and rugs, creates a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. This timeless colour brings a touch of nature indoors, making it ideal for the autumn and winter months.”

Country living is brought to life with timeless earthy tones featured in upholstery fabrics, cushions and washed-oak furniture pieces, like the Braystone collection. Featuring a painterly floral design with trailing hibiscus flowers amongst scrolling leaves, Aylworth Trail is a hero print with terracotta orange adding a romantic charm. 

Autumnal hues of fern green, duck egg and sage green with touches of mustard yellow create a rich and cosy ambience in the home.  Wallpapers and soft furnishings combine feminine ditsy florals with the modern nostalgia of iconic stripe patterns in on-trend terracotta orange and autumnal hues.

Antiques Fair News: London's LAPADA Fair Runs October 22-27, 2024, Featuring Luxury Wall-Coverings by Fromental

The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair, taking place from October 22 to 27 in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, remains a premier destination for those passionate about fine art, furniture, jewellery, and collectibles. Known for blending tradition with modern luxury, the fair is organized by the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association (LAPADA) and is renowned for its meticulously curated exhibits. It continues to serve as a vibrant hub for antique and art trading in central London, attracting an international audience.

Fromental's hand-embroidered designs at Decorex 2024.  Photo by Lucia Carpio

This year, British brand Fromental, celebrated for its luxury wall-coverings featuring hand-painted and hand-embroidered designs, especially in the chinoiserie style, plays a prominent role through two special collaborations. One of these showcases their iconic chinoiserie design, which wraps the exterior of Berkeley Square, paying tribute to the venue's historical significance and timeless elegance.

At the Decorex interiors fair held at Kensington Olympia, London October 6-9 2024, 
Fromental presented a selection of hand-painted and embroidered silk panels suspended overhead,  with walls on either side showing the brand's embroidered chinoiserie wall-coverings.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

In addition, an innovative use of Augmented Reality (AR) allows visitors to scan the design with their smartphones and watch as the intricate Nightingale songbird comes to life and takes flight, adding a dynamic, interactive element to the artwork. This fusion of tradition and modern technology offers a fresh, engaging way to experience the craftsmanship behind Fromental’s designs. 

Lizzie Deshayes, Creative Director at Fromental, explains, "This collaboration explores the interplay between historical influences and contemporary design. By integrating technology with classical art, we’re pushing creative boundaries while staying true to our roots."

The exterior wrap pays homage to classical craftsmanship, featuring rich details such as magnolias, fruit trees, and peonies, all brought to life through Fromental’s signature hand-painted artistry. It's a celebration of historical techniques reimagined for the present, demonstrating how tradition can evolve alongside modern innovation.

Inside the LAPADA fair, Fromental’s wall coverings also grace the restaurant space, providing visitors with an immersive backdrop that further enriches their sensory experience.

A Bespoke Design for the Berkeley Square Collective stand,
curated by the talented Stephanie Barba Mendoza, features Nobuko from Fromental.

Meanwhile, another of Fromental's bespoke wallpaper designs is showcased at the Berkeley Square Collective stand, curated by designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza. The wallpaper, titled Nobuko, draws inspiration from Stephanie’s recent travels to Tokyo and the works of French sculptor Ivan Leon Alexandre Blanchot. Combining Art Deco influences with modern techniques, the design presents a striking fusion of elegance and history.

Hand-finished on iridescent paper, Nobuko features a floral motif in a trompe l'œil style, resembling a stone bas-relief. It is framed by faux marbles inspired by the Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii, creating a space that captures both historical richness and contemporary artistry. Stephanie’s curation of the stand artfully weaves together art, antiques, and design, offering visitors a distinctive experience that bridges the past with the present.

Fromental's silk panels at Decorex 2024
Photo by Lucia Carpio

At the Decorex interiors fair, held at Kensington Olympia, London, from October 6-9, 2024, Fromental presented a stunning display of hand-painted and embroidered silk panels suspended overhead, flanked by walls showcasing the brand's signature embroidered chinoiserie wall-coverings. 

Photo by Lucia Carpio

The centerpiece of the installation was a striking creation from fashion designer Harris Reed’s couture collection, as seen above, crafted from Fromental’s silk wallcovering panels and previously featured at the Met Gala in New York.  The dramatic ensemble featured a three-dimensional corset, a draped train and extra-flared trousers.

Fromental was founded in 2005 by Tim Butcher and Lizzie Deshayes.  Their high-end wall-coverings are often seen in luxury interiors around the world, including private homes, hotels, and commercial spaces. 

Art and Culture: El Fenn in Marrakech Announces New Series of Curated Art Weekends; A Deep Dive into the city’s Vibrant Art Scene, Coinciding with 1-54 Art Fair

Marrakech in Morocco has long been a center of artistic exchange and inspiration. The city’s rich history, vibrant colors, intricate architecture, and dynamic culture have drawn artists and intellectuals for decades. Its mix of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship—tilework, metalwork, textiles, and mosaics—alongside contemporary artistic movements, has made it an important cultural crossroads.

The city is a meeting point of Arab, Berber, and European influences, creating a dynamic blend of artistic styles and traditions. Its vibrant souks (markets) are filled with handmade goods, from intricate carpets to leatherwork, which have inspired many contemporary artists and designers.

Now tucked away behind the rose-coloured walls of the Marrakech medina, El Fenn is an oasis of a hotel "for modern travelers seeking abundance in all its forms. Developed thoughtfully and gradually over the course of the past 20 years, El Fenn prides itself as a fusion of the finest modern amenities and a deep connection to place, providing the ideal setting for guests to completely immerse in the rich, vibrant culture of Marrakech while being inspired at every turn."

El Fenn has announced it is inviting art lovers to experience an immersive, curated art weekend from January 30 to February 2, 2025, giving insider access to the best of Marrakech’s vibrant art scene during the increasingly popular 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. 

The exclusive three-night experience offers guests the opportunity to explore the dynamic local art scene like a local, meet El Fenn co-owner, gallerist, and collector Vanessa Branson, and attend the VIP preview of the Marrakech edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair.

Limited to just 24 participants, this intimate weekend will kick off a series of on-going curated stays and includes a new El Fenn exhibition, alongside guided tours of the hotel’s renowned art collection, which features contemporary works by Moroccan, African, and international artists such as William Kentridge, Hassan Hajjaj, and Yto Barrada. Attendees will also have the chance to explore some of Marrakech’s most exciting galleries, including a special trip to the Montresso Foundation.

The weekend offers experiences that are both guided and self-directed, allowing participants to curate their own experience of Marrakech’s art and culture.

"I can’t wait to introduce people to the exciting art scene here in Marrakech," says El Fenn co-founder,  gallerist and art collector, Vanessa Branson. "The creative energy in Africa is unique and this weekend will offer a chance for people to really experience it all.”

Bookings can be made by emailing retreats@el-fenn.com or visit El Fenn website.

About Vanessa Branson:

Vanessa opened her first gallery in London in 1986, where she showcased emerging artists, including William Kentridge’s debut exhibition in the UK. She also co-founded and curated the Wonderful Fund Collection alongside Prue O'Day, assembling nearly 100 contemporary artworks by renowned artists such as Sarah Lucas, Grayson Perry, Jake & Dinos Chapman, Tracey Emin, and Gavin Turk.

In 2004, Vanessa co-founded El Fenn with her business partner Howell James. She also served as the Founding President of the Marrakech Biennale, North Africa’s only trilingual arts festival, which featured visual art, literature, and film programmes with contributions from acclaimed international and Moroccan artists.

In October 2014, Vanessa was honored with the Royal distinction of Officer of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite, recognizing her significant contributions to Morocco’s cultural scene, particularly her role in establishing Marrakech as a vibrant and diverse platform for the arts.

Textile Trade: Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris set to return to Le-Bourget exhibition centre in January 2025; second event rescheduled to September

International trade fairs are essential for professionals to stay updated on industry trends, forge key business relationships, discover new innovations, and effectively navigate the global market. This is especially true for the textile and fashion industries, where fairs serve not just as showcases but as dynamic marketplaces for knowledge, creativity, and collaboration that shape the future of the field.

For fashion designers and makers, these fairs are foundational, providing access to the materials, inspiration, and innovations they need to bring their creative visions to life.

In Paris, one of the world’s premier fashion hubs, trade shows like Première Vision and Texworld And Apparel Sourcing hold immense importance. Held twice a year, they are crucial hubs for innovation, networking, and business growth, offering significant benefits to attendees. The next Première Vision will take place from February 11–13, 2025 at Parc des Expositions in Villepinte, while Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, organized by Messe Frankfurt Paris, will be held from February 10–12, 2025 at Paris-Le Bourget exhibition centre; both will be focusing on Spring-Summer 2026 collections.

Organizers expect a strong turnout of buyers and fashion brands at Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, giving attendees access to global sourcing opportunities for designing and building their Spring-Summer 2026 collections. This return to the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre venue is significant, as the exhibition center was unavailable for the last two seasons due to its use during the 2024 Summer Olympics. In the interim, Texworld and its related fairs were relocated to the Parc de Versailles fair ground in south Paris.

In addition, Messe Frankfurt has announced that its second Texworld And Apparel Sourcing fair in 2025 will now take place from September 15–17, moving from July to better align with the fashion industry’s creative cycles. This calendar shift, along with the presence of sectors like Avantex and Leatherworld, ensures that sourcing and order placements are more closely tied to collection development timelines.  The July 2024 edition held a couple of weeks before the Summer Olympics welcomed some 1,200 exhibitors from 26 countries. 

To enhance the experience for buyers, the layout of Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris will be reconfigured. International suppliers will be housed in Halls 3 and 4, with new synergies created across sectors, such as a dedicated women’s wardrobe section in Hall 4 and a large space for outdoor, sportswear, and casualwear in Hall 3. Services like the trends forum, restaurants, and the Agora—where conferences and roundtables will be held—will be consolidated in Hall 2, offering a more cohesive and efficient experience for attendees.

This reorganization is expected to strengthen the fair’s offerings, with encouraging booking levels suggesting an active and dynamic session. The event underscores the vital role played by European markets in the fashion sector, from ready-to-wear to luxury, with major sourcing nations such as China, Turkey, India, and others well represented.

One noteworthy aspect is the continuation of the Yarn Expo pavilion, which focuses on yarn sourcing and the expertise of leading spinning companies, a concept first introduced in July 2024. Messe Frankfurt’s team is dedicated to meeting the evolving demands of the market, with a strong focus on sustainability. As Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communications Director at Messe Frankfurt France, highlighted, “Buyers, brand managers, and designers come to Paris looking for players who can export and meet the sustainable development objectives that consumers are imposing on the fashion world today.”

A key initiative is the focus on sustainable fashion, driven by the Econogy principle and promoted worldwide through Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network. The Econogy Finder will help buyers identify suppliers of sustainably produced textiles, while Econogy Talks will offer a platform for discussing environmental issues, and the Econogy Tours, first launched in July 2024, will return for the February 2025 event, offering specialized insights into sustainable sourcing.

All photos courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Paris/Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris - July 2024 event.

Art and Culture: John Booth and Rosewood London celebrate Frieze Week with playful installation and High Tea Collaboration

As Frieze Week, one of the most significant events in the contemporary art world, takes over London, art enthusiasts are flocking to Regent’s Park for the main exhibition. However, the city is filled with additional exhibitions and sites for culture lovers to explore.

Entitled "Flowers for Rosewood", the wooden structure has been described by Booths as a continuation of his creative intervention.  He wrote on instagram that as usual, the work started as drawings on paper, and was scaled up and made feasible for the outdoor.  It is made from hand painted timber, printed plywood and some hardware. 
Photo by Lucia Carpio.

In Holborn, a district known for its legal ties, the diamond center at Hatton Garden, and Great Ormond Street Hospital, the luxurious Rosewood London hotel is showcasing a commissioned artwork by London-based multidisciplinary artist and designer John Booth in its courtyard, entitled "Flowers for Rosewood", it is a wooden structure.  

Booth is celebrated for his vibrant use of colour, bold patterns, and playful, collage-inspired designs. With a background in illustration and fashion, he has collaborated with top brands such as Selfridges, Paul Smith, and Fendi. His artistic practice spans across various mediums, including ceramics, painting, sculpture, textiles, and fashion.

Booth studied Fashion Print at Central Saint Martins, a prestigious art and design school in London. His education in fashion deeply influenced his approach to art, particularly in his exploration of patterns and textures.

Early in his career, Booth initially worked in fashion, collaborating with brands like Zandra Rhodes and John Galliano, which honed his sense of colour and pattern mixing. His ability to create playful, highly visual designs allowed him to transition into various art and design fields.

Much of John Booth's work features expressive characters or faces that are rendered in a highly abstract, cartoon-like manner, often composed of layered shapes, bold lines, and contrasting colours. His collage technique, both in physical and digital forms, is a hallmark of his aesthetic.

Booth's work is known for his playful and experimental use of materials and techniques. He frequently mixes media, incorporating collage, embroidery, and printmaking into his pieces.  His work is highly expressive, and he often uses vibrant primary colours and adds a sense of fun and whimsy to his pieces.

Now since 2017, Rosewood London’s Executive Pastry Chef, Mark Perkins, has crafted bespoke cakes for the hotel’s Art Afternoon Tea, drawing inspiration from renowned artists such as Banksy, Alexander Calder, Damien Hirst, Yayoi Kusama, and Mark Rothko. Previous menus have also paid tribute to icons like David Hockney and Van Gogh.

Photo courtesy of Rosewood London

This year, the hotel has introduced a new range of cakes in collaboration with John Booth, available in their stunning Mirror Room restaurant. These edible creations, featuring bold prints and vibrant colors, are designed to evoke joy and are served alongside finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, and jam.

To find inspiration for the Art Afternoon Tea - The John Booth Collection menu, Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins spent time in Booth’s studio. For this co-created collection, both artists exchanged creative roles—Perkins sketched designs while Booth explored flavors and ingredients.

Perkins said as a Pastry Chef, he is always curious and tries to draw inspiration from things that surround him. 

Displays in Rosewood London lobby.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

"London is a vibrant city with an incredibly energetic art scene.  Rosewood London's quirky interiors reflect the British capital's history, culture and sensibilities, featuring the works of some of the world's most renowned artists, with contemporary pieces complemented by more traditional art throughout the hotel."

Booth’s diverse experience in fashion, installations, ceramics, and homeware is reflected in the menu, filled with artistic expression and personal storytelling, exploring the rich and deeply intertwined relationship between art and food, as both can be seen as forms of creative expression that engage the senses, evoke emotions, and reflect culture, as food and art intersect in several key ways, in terms of visual aesthetics and presentation, materiality and medium, emotional connection and storytelling, playfulness and creativity:

"The Twins" cake
Photo courtesy of Rosewood London

One of the cakes, "The Twins," draws from Booth’s experience as a twin. It’s a two-sided cake, reminiscent of sticky toffee pudding, featuring chocolate date sponge, sable biscuit, praline crunch, and vanilla custard, adorned with a pink and yellow flower in honor of his Cumbrian roots.

The Painter's Palette" cakes
Photo courtesy of Rosewood London

Another creation, "The Painter’s Palette," combines vanilla cheesecake, pink sponge, and raspberry jelly, symbolizing the vibrant brushstrokes of an artist’s palette, set atop a crisp biscuit base.

The "Tropical Tulip" cake
Photo courtesy of Rosewood London

The third offering, "Tropical Tulip," is inspired by the tulip motif that frequently appears in Booth’s work. This purple and pink cake blends mango mousse, orange passionfruit jelly, and pistachio sponge, layered over a chocolate sablé biscuit.

Commenting on the collaboration, Booth remarked, "Working with Rosewood London and Chef Mark Perkins has been incredibly exciting. We’ve mixed bold colours, flavours, and textures to create cakes that inspire joy and playfulness. It’s been a true collaboration, where we’ve infused our personal energy and creativity into these beautiful, delicious creations."

Much of John Booth's work features expressive characters or faces that are rendered in a highly abstract, cartoon-like manner, often composed of layered shapes, bold lines, and contrasting colours. His collage technique, both in physical and digital forms, is a hallmark of his aesthetic.

Art and Culture: Donald Baugh presents his first solo exhibition this October in London Vessel Gallery

Donald Baugh will present his first solo exhibition this October, coinciding with Black History Month in Vessel Gallery, London.*

Designer and wood craftsman Donald Baugh to present his first solo exhibition
AKANSA in the Vessel Gallery in London.

A designer and wood craftsman, Baugh’s showcase will feature a collection of vessel-shaped, non-functional sculptures crafted from various wood species. Some of the works are engraved with runic designs, reflecting Baugh's insight that "indigenous people from around the world used the same tools, leading to a repetition of patterns."

Zurri 0.1

Born in the UK in Chiswick in 1961 to parents from Jamaica’s Windrush generation, Baugh transitioned from a successful career in furniture design and making to focus increasingly on experimental, freestanding sculptures over the past decade.

Sivori 0.1

Influenced by Charles Eames and the Bauhaus movement, Baugh’s asymmetrical wooden sculptures emphasize the natural qualities of the material, evoking its connection to both living trees and found objects like shells. 

Uhuru 0.4

He incorporates spray paint to accentuate curves and lines in vibrant colors, drawing on the energy of the Caribbean and the vitality of nature. For Baugh, wood is "almost like a nervous system," deeply tied to the history of human craftsmanship.

Masai 0.1

The exhibition will also feature sculptures from Baugh’s Masai series—tall wooden statues shaped like abstract human figures. These pieces draw inspiration from the myth that the Masai’s ancestors were visited by giants with large heads, while also evoking the colossal heads of Mexico's ancient Olmec civilization.

Baugh believes that wood is gaining recognition as a legitimate medium for art. “I think more people will turn to it,” he notes. “It’s the most natural material. Everyone relates to it.” His own works reflect his pursuit of authenticity. “You have to find your own aesthetics. It’s your fingerprint.”

*Vessel Gallery is at 114 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PW UK

Art Exhibition: Veteran UK Broadcaster David Dimbleby Guest Curates Major Autumn Art Exhibition at Towner Eastbourne with Daughter Liza

Many of us likely recall how we spent our time during the long months of lockdown in the UK, when the Covid pandemic deeply affected our lives. Personally, I turned to cooking, sharing food and recipes with my home-bound family.

For one particular father and daughter, however, it was a time to communicate not merely through words, but through drawing. This creative way of sharing thoughts and visuals has led to a new exhibition this autumn at the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Andrzej Jackowski

Titled Drawing the Unspeakable, the exhibition is co-curated by veteran journalist and broadcaster David Dimbleby, who, alongside his artist daughter Liza, presents a collection of 300 works. The exhibition marks Dimbleby’s final contribution as Towner’s Chair, a role he’s held for a decade, before stepping down in September 2024. It's also been reported that Dimbleby will take up new role as the Towner's first ever President.

David Dimbleby said, "Co-curating this exhibition has been an exhilarating experience.  Liza has always been my companion and guide through the world of art."

"I like drawings that have a narrative, but are kind of mysterious.  You can put your own interpretation on them and the longer you look at them, the more you see in them.  So, they're not obvious drawings of the unspeakable, they're unspeakable because they don't speak directly with one."

Liza Dimbleby said it has taken nine months to put together the collection, with much of the time visiting the studios of around 40 living artists.  

"During the lockdown, we would communicate by exchanging drawings by email, one per day," said Liza.  

LS Lowry

Running from October 5th to April 27th, 2025, the show explores the unique conversations the father and daughter shared during lockdown—conversations in which drawing became their language, surpassing the limitations of words to express complex emotions and ideas. 

Joe Hill,Director a nd chief executive of the Towner concurred that drawing is powerful and that there are not enough shows that focus primarily on drawings.  

John Davies

Leon Kossoff

The exhibition features works by more than 90 artists, including Tracey Emin, Emma Talbot, David Hockney, Paula Rego, LS Lowry, Barbara Hepworth, Louise Bourgeois, Andrzej Jackowski, and Leon Kossoff, to name but a few, as well as by the Dimblebys themselves.  The drawings are drawn both from the Towner Collection and from other Collections such as the Ben Uri Gallery, Bethlem Museum of the Mind, British Museum, Ingram Art Foundation, Jerwood Foundation, Pallant House, Ruth Borchard Collection, The Lowry, ad Vaclav Havel Public Library, Paris.   There is also a display of artworks by Ray Ward featuring repurposed milk bottles and cartons, each with a special message.

 Paula Rego

Tracey Emin

The artworks address a wide range of human experiences and emotions, covering themes such as war, disaster, destruction, illness, and loss, as well as family, birth, love, and dreams. Complementing the art is a written dialogue between Dimbleby and Liza, reflecting their contrasting perspectives as a journalist and an artist. 

Some of these conversations - written dialogues of their respective viewpoints - are projected onto large scrolls that hang from the ceilings of two of the rooms in Gallery 2 and 3.  The exhibition take up the entire top floor gallery of the Towner. 

For visitors, the exhibition may evoke personal memories and past experiences, offering plenty of material for meaningful conversations and discussions.  Towner CEO Joe Hill said the thought provoking exhibition will encourage their audiences to look again at the drawings in the gallery's collection, through David and Liza's unique lens.

The exhibition takes place from October 5th 2024 to April 27th 2025 at the Towner Gallery, Eastbourne, UK.

Photos by Lucia Carpio