Artist Sarah Jane Palmer talks about the inspiration behind 'Body Lace'
We've been struck by how interested everyone is in the stories behind our artists and designs. So as it's Valentine's Day we thought it would be appropriate to meet Sarah Jane Palmer, the Sheffield based artist behind our Body Lace voileand Maîtrise wallpaper.
Inspired by her Great Grandfather who worked in the Nottingham lace industry, and the use of erotic imagery throughout art history, 'Body Lace' was originally conceived as a delicate screen print on paper by Sarah, as seen here in her original art work:
The technique of burnout screen printing was used to create the final voile fabric. A special paste which dissolves natural fibres was applied to the fabric, leaving the delicate voile behind and creating a contemporary interpretation of lace. The delicate colour is inspired by the vogue for pink lace during the Victorian era.
Sarah and I were very proud of the end result of our collaboration, so we couldn't have been happier when Body Lace voile was selected to be part of 'This Class Works', a major exhibition curated by graphic artist Pete McKee with sound installations by the Human League's Martyn Ware.
Entitled "What Will the Neighbours Think', Sarah's installation drew on childhood memories of her Grandmother twitching the net curtains of their home and wondering what the neighbours were up to.
'Body Lace' has been used to great effect as curtains and sheer blinds, creating a subtly pretty look with a hidden secret. Sarah's other collaboration with us, 'Maîtrise' wallpaper has also been very popular as a great talking point in cloakrooms, bathrooms and bedrooms!
We will have a full display of Sarah's designs as well as our other products this May at Clerkenwell Design Week, where we will be showing at The House of Detention, a 17th Century underground prison...
For those of you in Yorkshire, our cushions are now stocked at the wonderful Silson Contemporary Art Gallery in Harrogate. We will also continue to be at Art Roundhay Park at the Mansion House Conservatory in Leeds LS8 2HH until March 17th with a full selection of products alongside fine art and gifts.
If you'd like to request any samples of our products, please get in touch by replying to this email or calling us on 0113 4503639.
