Very Sanderson: 150 Years of English Decoration
Very Sanderson: 150 Years of English Decoration at The Fashion & Textile Museum London, 19 March – 13 June 2010
Ever wondered who produced the first coordinated collection of mass-produced wallpapers and fabrics in Britain? Or built what has been called the world’s most fabulous decorators’ showroom and invented the hinged display screens now seen in showrooms worldwide? How about who was first with post-impressionist wallpapers, or even earlier, the sole source in Britain of the most extravagantly expensive French papers? Then again, what company – from the Americas to the Far East – is most closely associated with the English chintz style? And who received the first Royal Warrant granted to a wallpaper manufacturer?
The answers to all of these questions and more were revealed in an exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of Sanderson, which ran from 19 March – 13 June 2010 at the Fashion & Textile Museum, London.
Whether through several important technical innovations, its production of textiles and wallpapers by influential designers, or its provision of Britain’s first ‘infinite’ range of colours in household paints, Sanderson has had a significant impact on the decorator trade since its foundation by Arthur Sanderson in 1860. Moving with the times, it has survived when many other great firms failed, and over the years acquired a massive collection of wallpapers and textiles representing the history of its milieu. This exhibition highlights the best of its archive as well as brand new collections. Full of surprises, it will fascinate and inform those whose tastes run from the Arts & Crafts style, jazzy Moderne, fifties’ Festival designs and Pop patterns, to decidedly contemporary art and decor.
‘Very Sanderson -150 Years of English Decoration’ was co-curated by Dennis Nothdruft (FTM) and Mary Schoeser (independent curator) and accompanied by a lavishly-illustrated book published by Thames & Hudson.
Website:
www.ftmlondon.org