Here are snaps from the current exhibition at Zandra Rhodes Fashion & Textile Museum on Bermondsey Street. The show entitled "Designing Women: Post - War British Textiles" is a selection of textile prints by the females who pioneered the colourful graphic style we are now so used to seeing across interior design. You might walk around the gallery and take for granted the contemporary style of these fabrics, so it's good to go with the insight that this was the very first foray into abstract surface design. It's also a fantastic idea to go at the time of a guided tour to have an hour's explanation and detailed account of the movement.
The display starts with the most recognised leader of the group - Lucienne Day (partner of Robin) with her famous "Calyx" pattern which featured in The Festival Of Britain. This is followed by my personal favourite - Jacqueline Groag, who liked to use flora, fauna and fun in her motif work. Amongst over 100 works are six talents who experimented with bold bright shapes transforming accessible soft furnishings for the home throughout the 60's and 70's. Its clear to see the inspiration from Miro's mobiles and Picasso's cubist portraits, translating the artistic moods into products for aspirational British households to decorate their homes.
You can finish your visit at the museum with a snoop around thier gift shop and pick up your own cushion replicated in some of the designs from the show. There are other Rhodes related merchandise too, including t-shirts for just £5. As Bermondsey Street is gathering momentum for the new destination to visit with The White Cube it is certainly something to put in your diary............ especially the "Exhibition Highlight Tour" every Wednesday at 1pm with free entry included in the ticket price. Also check out the extensive programme of events, talks, workshops and courses.
16 March - 16 June 2012Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am - 6pm
The Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF
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