A MENAGERIE OF EXOTIC ANIMALS in the kitchen. Clouds
billowing across a petulant sky in the bathroom. And in the
hallway, verdant vine leaves creeping up the walls. No, this
isn’t a chapter from the next Harry Potter novel – we’ve just
entered the world of Cole & Son. Responsible for producing
some of the most globally recognised wallcoverings since
1875, the team at Cole & Son design patterns and pictures
from the far corners of our minds and bring them to life on
paper and fabric. The company’s archive, which contains
about 2000 block print designs, 500 screen print designs
and countless original drawings, is a time capsule of interior
styles dating back to the 18th century, from full-on florals
and dramatic damasks to hot air balloons floating in space.
It’s a revealing insight into how we’ve been decorating our
homes for decades, and a priceless source of inspiration
for the company’s new collections and collaborations. Cole
& Son has always been at the forefront of innovative design
and partnerships. In the company’s early years, its founder
John Perry supplied hand block prints and textiles to all the
major wallpaper brands in North London, and in 1949 it
opened one of Europe’s first screen printing studios. Cole
& Son has launched surreal wallpaper collections with the
Italian luxury design atelier Fornasetti, and was granted
permission to create a collection inspired by five of Britain’s
historic royal palaces – including the Queen’s residence.
The President of the United States also has Cole & Son
wallpaper in his home. If only those walls could talk! RTo mark the 60th anniversary of its iconic
Woods design, Cole & Son released The
Contemporary Collection in July this
year. It features beautiful wallpapers and
fabrics in some of the brand’s most famous
prints, such as Hummingbirds (pictured).19
Senza Tempo is Cole & Son’s
latest collab collection with
Fornasetti. Launched this year,
it features 19 whimsical wallpapers
including (from top) the Bastoni,
Acquario, Nuvolette and Arance.1875
2019
Founded by John Perry in 1875,
Cole & Son was known for its quality
wallcoverings and fabrics. The British
company gained its name in 1941
when it was bought by A P Cole.MODERN HISTORYprints
charming
Cole & Son’s wondrous wallpapers
have been gracing walls for over
a century, and it’s easy to see why
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