THE CRAFT OF WALLPAPER
- London Craft Week 2016 -
Graham & Brown are pleased to announce their involvement in the London Craft Week 2016 programme as part of
The Craft of Wallpaper exhibition at the Geffrye Museum of the Home, 3-8 May 2016.
Curated by design writer Charlotte Abrahams and sponsored by Graham & Brown, The Craft of Wallpaper is an
exhibition celebrating how wallpaper is made. CUSTHOM, Juliet Chadwick, Claire Coles, Linda Florence, Fromental,
Graham & Brown, Tracy Kendal, Elise Menghini, Identity Papers, Erica Wakerly and Waybreads come together in a
glorious abundance of papers which together demonstrate the variety of processes being used to make wallpaper in
the modern world. Alongside the show there will also be live wallpaper designs from Graham & Brown, CUSTHOM
and Tracy Kendall, and panel discussions on the Process and Power of Pattern.
‘Wallpaper is ubiquitous, but it is under-appreciated as a craft,’ says the show’s curator, design writer and long-time
wallpaper addict, Charlotte Abrahams. ‘I hope this exhibition will raise wallpaper beyond the decorative and
demonstrate the real skills involved in its making.’
As part of the exhibition and as its key sponsor, Graham & Brown will showcase six of its most successful designs as
part of its seventieth anniversary celebrations this year, alongside a curated timeline of archive pieces including tools,
original production methods, imagery and footage from the brand’s rich history.
The Graham & Brown wallpaper designs on show will include: Original, the first design from 1946; Trippy, an eternally
popular Superfresco design; Skulls, a decadent Flock design by Barbara Hulanicki; Northern Rose, a contemporary take
on an archive design; Gloriana, a signature grand damask wallpaper; and the current Wallpaper of the Year 2016,
Marble in black and rose gold.
Graham & Brown has been inspiring the nation to decorate walls for seventy years,’ say Alan Kemp, Head of Brand at
Graham & Brown. ‘Designing and manufacturing all of our designs in the UK - from the first embossed wallpaper to
today’s contemporary digital prints – we pride ourselves on being a brand that not only looks to its rich heritage but is
forward thinking when it comes to the latest trends for wall coverings.’
On Tuesday 7th May, as part of the maker-in-residence programme, Vicky Davison from Graham & Brown, who
specialises in hand-painted botanical designs will be creating a unique wallpaper inspired by two intricate designs
from the Geffrye archive.
‘Having the opportunity to delve into the Geffrye’s extensive archive with more than 400 years of design and insight
has been inspirational’ says Vicky Davison ‘I’m looking forward to making on site for the day and sharing the design
process with visitors.’
Wallpaper has been a popular decorative option since the middle of the 18th century, in and out of fashion and very
much a matter of personal taste. Today it is enjoying a revival in the hands of some outstanding designers, with
striking and beautiful results. It will be a pleasure to see a selection exhibited in the context of the Geffrye’s wider
story of the home.’ David Dewing, Geffrye Museum Director
The Geffrye Museum galleries will be open alongside the exhibition, exploring the home and home life from 1600 to
the present day through a series of evocative period London living rooms and gardens.
During the exhibition a limited edition of the archive interpreted wallpaper will be available to purchase from the
Geffrye Museum shop and grahambrown.com. A donation from each sale will be given to the Geffrye Museum as
well as one roll of paper for the museum archive.
For press enquiries please contact Roberta Hughes at Camron PR: [email protected]|(0)20 7420 1700
www.grahambrown.com | www.charlotteabrahams.com |www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
@GrahamandBrown | @StyleInsider |@londoncraftweek
#CraftofWallpaper #LCW2016
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Craft of Wallpaper - The Geffrye Museum, 3 - 8 May 2016
The Geffrye Museum, 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
Tuesday 3rd – Sunday 8th May, 10.00am – 5.00pm
Makers in residence: Graham & Brown, Tuesday 3rd May; CUSTHOM, Thursday 5th May; Tracy Kendall, Friday 6th May
Panel discussions: Papered Walls; Process and the Power of Pattern
Saturday 7th May 11.30am-12.30 (digital processes) and 2.30-3.30pm (hand making) – booking necessary, 60 places,
£8 + vat
As one of 129 events taking place from 3rd to 7th May Graham & Brown is pleased to be showcasing exceptional
craftsmanship by joining London Craft Week’s journey-of-discovery programme across the city, featuring hidden
workshops and unknown makers alongside celebrated masters, famous studios, galleries, shops and luxury brands.
London Craft Week 2016 - A ‘Beyond Luxury’ Showcase
Last year the first London Craft Week launched with 70 events, 20,000 visits and a wide cast including HRH The Prince
of Wales, Grayson Perry and 350 makers.
The aim of London Craft Week is to experience the magic of true creativity, see what real quality means, meet some
of the world’s most respected makers and artists and even have a try. Visitors will see world-class fragrances being
developed scent by scent, diamonds being cut and polished, porcelain being hand painted, silver being shaped, glass
being mouth blown and Chinese calligraphy being performed live. All against the backdrop of the vitality, variety and
serendipity of London from Selfridges to Chelsea Physic Garden, from Mayfair to SE27.
An invitation-only VIP programme is run alongside the main programme with a small number of one-off and intimate
experiences, including handling objects from museum collections, special access to private residences and exclusive
dinners. London Craft Week is supported by founding partner Vacheron Constantin and sponsors Grosvenor and
Mulberry.
“London has long had a Fashion Week and a Design Festival. Now there is London Craft Week, a celebration of the
magical combination of imagination, individuality, passion and skill found in the best-made of things.” Guy Salter,
Chairman.
London Craft Week Statistics
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129 events
214 makers talking, demonstrating and exhibiting
55 disciplines explored
22 international makers included
17 represented countries
For programme details, to sign up to the newsletter for offers and special curated events and to buy tickets visit
www.londoncraftweek.com
For more details about the collectors' programme contact [email protected]
For press enquiries please contact Elena Davidson at SUTTON: [email protected]|(0) 20 7183 3577
@londoncraftweek #LCW2016