All Things Considered

Ed Kluz – Theatre Britannica
Posted by Simon Lewin

Work commitments means that we're very reluctantly able to be in London tonight for the opening of Ed Kluz's Theatre Britannica exhibition hosted by Ben Pentreath and Bridie Hall.

The exhibition features drawings, collages and other works by Ed who is fascinated by the objects of our cultural heritage. He seeks out the eccentric, the lost and the overlooked. Follies, curiosities, vanished buildings and folk lore inspire artworks which explore themes of renewal and reinvention.

Ben and Bridie have very kindly let us display Ed's fabrics for St. Jude's in one of their Rugby Street windows. I have to say we're delighted with how Painswick is looking in situ.

Theatre Britannica runs until 26th May 2012 at Ben Pentreath, 17 Rugby Street, London WC1N 3QT.

Here are some of the works exhibited. From top to bottom: a window display featuring Ed's Painswick fabric, Old London After Canaletto, Dundee Arch, Gothick Cottage, A Norwich Prospect and The Dunmore Pineapple.

Posted by Simon Lewin on May 9th, 2012

Happy Easter!
Posted by Simon Lewin

Hope you're enjoying a good Easter break.

Here's an image by Edward Bawden for Fortnum & Mason - one of the many you'll find in the Mainstone Press book Entertaining À La Carte.

Posted by Simon Lewin on April 8th, 2012

The CH24 chair
Posted by Simon Lewin

We've just taken delivery of two CH24 chairs - also known as the Wishbone. Designed in 1949 by Hans J. Wegner, the chairs have been produced by Carl Hansen & Son without interruption since 1950.

We'd wanted these for a number of years but kept finding other more pressing uses for our funds. Whilst there are cheaper reproductions out there, we wanted to purchase Hansen-made originals.

And they have been well worth the wait. Beautifully made and incredibly comfortable.

If you're tempted, our friends at Shannon would be happy to advise.

The whole issue of reproduction furniture is being explored by Elle Deocration's Equal Rights For Design campaign. The campaign is asking that UK copyright protection for design is extended from 25 years to 70 years (as is the case for works of literature, drama, music, film and art).

Elle Decoration editior Michelle Ogundehin has been covering the campaign over on her Editor's blog and you can find out more and show your support via the campaign's Facebook page and this online petition.

Posted by Simon Lewin on April 6th, 2012

St. Jude’s at Tinsmiths
Posted by Simon Lewin

At the end of March we'll be returning to Ledbury for an exhibition of originals, prints and textiles hosted by our friends at Tinsmiths.

The exhibition opens on Friday 30th March between 7-9pm and runs until 28th April 2012.

Tinsmiths have commissioned this rather fine set of letterpress printed beermats to mark the occasion. Limited to just 150 sets, 100 are available for purchase online now with proceeds donated to the mental health charity, MIND.

For further information about the exhibition nearer the time, sign up for our e-mail newsletter.

The beermats have been created by (top to bottom) Angie Lewin, Ed Kluz, Emily Sutton and Mark Hearld.

Posted by Simon Lewin on March 10th, 2012

Rob Ryan’s Valentine’s print
Posted by Simon Lewin

We're pleased to announce the availability of Rob Ryan's 2012 Valentine's print.

The text on this two colour screen print reads...

"All of the thoughts that I have held inside me ever since I was very small, silly fancies, grandiose ideas and embarrassing and happy and silly dreams that were always just mine and mine alone.

Could I share with you, and you alone, everything that lives inside my heart and my head that I have never shared with anyone but myself all of the years I have lived so far until now."

Purchase a copy of this limited edition print.

Posted by Simon Lewin on January 29th, 2012

The Mind’s Eye
Posted by Simon Lewin

If you're anywhere near York before Saturday 19th November do call in at this temporary art gallery and exhibition at 8 Bootham.

Curated by Lotte Inch, The Mind's Eye features work by both York and London based artists. The exhibition features prints, jewellery, stationery and other handmade items. 

And you'll find St. Jude's cushion covers designed by Mark Hearld, Emily Sutton and Angie Lewin.

The exhibition runs until Saturday 19th November 2011 at 8 Bootham, York YO30 7BL.

Posted by Simon Lewin on November 7th, 2011

St. Jude’s packing tape
Posted by Simon Lewin

We've had a lot of requests about the packing tape that we use here at St. Jude's and have added some sets of rolls to our online store.

There are 3 designs in the sets - one each from Mark Hearld, Angie Lewin and Emily Sutton.

But we also have 20 sets to give away in a prize draw.

In about a week we'll draw 5 people at random from the following...

- Fans of our Facebook page

- Followers on Twitter

- Subscribers to our St. Jude's Fabric newsletter

- Subscribers to our St. Jude's Prints newsletter

Posted by Simon Lewin on November 2nd, 2011

Paul Bommer’s Wunderkabinett
Posted by Simon Lewin

Illustrator & printmaker Paul Bommer has an exhibition of his work in London on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November 2011 at 15 Wilkes Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6QF. For further information on Paul's work visit www.paulbommer.com

Paul has also contributed four wonderful pages of illustrations for our forthcoming Random Spectacular journal.

Posted by Simon Lewin on October 27th, 2011

British Design Awards 2011
Posted by Simon Lewin

We took a call yesterday with the brilliant news that Emily Sutton's Curiosity Shop has won the 'Best British Pattern Design' category in The British Design Awards 2011 - in association with Elle Decoration and The Daily Telegraph.

We look forward to finding out who won in the other categories in the December issue of Elle Decoration (we'd initially though we might have to keep our news secret but have been told to spread the word!).

We'd like to thank everyone that took the time to vote - it is genuinely appreciated.

We'll have news soon of Emily's follow up fabric, a new design entitled 'Deep Sea' (sign up to our newsletter for details).

In the meantime, 'Curiosity Shop' is available both by the metre and as ready made cushion covers.

Posted by Simon Lewin on September 30th, 2011

The Map of Spitalfields Life
Posted by Simon Lewin

'The Map Of Spitalfields Life' is a fresh look at an historic neighbourhood, produced by Herb Lester Associates in collaboration with the lauded website Spitalfields Life and illustrated by noted cartographer Adam Dant.

It explores this corner of East London through its distinctive characters and businesses, providing a glimpse into a world few people even notice, where chestnut sellers and story-telling waiters rub shoulders with milkmen, artists and scrap-dealers. From Gilbert and George and Tracey Emin to Molly the Swagman and Sandra Esqulant, landlady of The Golden Heart, all Spitalfields Life is here.

You can purchase a copy for £4.00 from both Spitalfields Life and Herb Lester Associates.

Look out for Tim Rich's interview with The Gentle Author - creator of Spitalfield Life - later this year in Random Spectacular.

Posted by Simon Lewin on September 17th, 2011