Arcadian Thames collection

ZOFFANY PRESENTS ARCADIAN THAMES, A RIVERSIDE PARADISE INSPIRED BY GRAND HOUSES, ROYAL PALACES AND LANDSCAPED GROUNDS, NEW FOR SS23.

For over 300 years, the Arcadian Thames has provided a balm for the soul, enabling Londoners to experience a glorious waterside idyl, where nature breathes, and romantic gardens thrive. Flanked by ancient woodland and flower strewn meadows, this stretch of river meanders from Hampton to Kew and beyond. Landscaped gardens fringe commanding palaces and grand historic houses, dipping their bankside toes into the cool, swell beneath.

Meaning ‘rural paradise’, arcadia is a place of virtue and pleasure, narrating centuries, encouraged by the Age of Enlightenment and its less restrictive way of thinking. A successor to the formality of Tudor and Stuart times, its eddying waters are where writers, poets and artists gathered.

Inspired by majestic riverside homes, Zoffany resumes its tour of London with Arcadian Thames, new for SS23. Comprising five prints, five weaves, one embroidery and six wallcoverings, this latest collection pays homage to the revolutionary vision of 18^th century nobility, with a curation of enduring masterpieces that celebrate their unwavering commitment to preserving the English landscape. 

Peter Gomez, lead designer for Zoffany, explains, “It’s always a joy to shine the light on a little known story, especially when it stems from London, Zoffany’s hometown. The stretch of river that forms the Arcadian Thames holds so much historical significance, and of course, a unique, natural beauty - it’s rare these two components are appreciated collectively. Our interpretation of the Arcadian Thames revisits London in an unexpected way, capturing a snapshot of life, and the prominent influences of its residents.” 

Providing the cornerstone to all its designs, archive documents, sympathetically reinterpreted for today, bring together a combination of form, pattern and colour to create a harmonious aesthetic that is intuitively Zoffany.

Arcadian Thames continues Zoffany’s support of emerging talent, introducing artisan embroider, Livia Papiernik, from the Royal School of Needlework and subsequently the Royal College of Art. Titled Hampton Embroidery, Livia’s exquisite, decorative piece is hand finished with traditional French knots and a combination of advanced stitching techniques.

Drawing from a world class pool of talent, Zoffany has commissioned acclaimed mural artist Melissa White to capture the very essence of the Arcadian Thames in an atmospheric 3m panel. Her magnificent painting with its far reaching views, follows in the footsteps of arcadian discovery, preserving a poetic scene curated by an authentic hand.

ALL WALLCOVERINGS AND PRINTED FABRICS MADE EXCLUSIVELY IN ENGLAND