Current V&A Delights

What wonderful exhibitions are on at the Victoria and Albert museum in London at the moment! Till the end of June there is their first Quilt exhibition and till the end of September Grace Kelly is their featured style icon. Libertys has even released a limited edition of printed fabrics for quilting in conjunction with the V&A. So in summary- visit!


My first introduction to textile art was Tracey Emin's quilts. Which made me look at my Grandma's beautiful traditional American quilts in a whole new light! What is exciting about this exhibition is that it summarizes transitions such as these as the quilts displayed are from 1700 to the present day.



The Grace Kelly, Style Icon exhibition showcases her wardrobe during her film career and also as Princess of Monaco. Thus spanning the 50s, 60s and 70s. I'm guessing the gowns and outfits from the 50s might be my favorites.

Inspirational Day

I think that when you are drawn repeatedly to certain designs, it's lovely to learn some background about them. And now and then it might just happen to be very informative and rather historic! For me there are the textile prints of Lucienne Day-

As one of an iconic designer couple of postwar Britain, there is quite a lot indeed about this talented lady all over blogs. However I think there deserves to be! Just imagine, these were produced in the 50s after World War 2 was over! How daring! It must have been the case that you either adored her prints or didn't know what to think. I like to think that I would have been totally on board:) She loved modern art, her favorites being Joan Miró and Paul Klee, and her prints have strong echoes of these inspirations. They must have brightened up homes no end. Her prints were featured on tea towels, table linens, wallpaper and ceramics...

Her husband Robin Day was an iconic furniture designer. Think minimal (but not that painful minimal), functional and hard wearing. He designed the reassuring angular wooden benches you still see at some London tube stops. They belonged to the belief system that good design must be pleasing to the eye but also functional, durable and affordable for the masses such as ourselves:) Hear hear.


Both attended the RCA and meet at a dance there. (cue girly sigh) But apparently they were very good at criticizing each others work. Glad to hear it! Here's to talented couples, no matter what their passions are, support (and criticism!) is essential.

'Calyx' would be her most iconic print, featured here as a book cover.
The Day's furniture and textiles in a display at a Milan trade show.