Damasks, a classic design language
FROM THE WEAVERS OF 18TH CENTURY LONDON TO THE HERITAGE SUFFOLK MILL THAT PRODUCES SOME OF THE FINEST SILKS TODAY, ZOFFANY REVEALS SUFFOLK DAMASKS & STRIPES, A COLLECTION OF FABRICS INSPIRED BY ARCHIVAL DESIGNS, FOR SS24.
The divine history of silk weaving in England pivoted in the 17th century, when Huguenots, the French weavers, resettled throughout Europe, finding home in Spitalfields, which went on to become synonymous with the silk weaving industry.
Later, the tradition for jacquards moved out to Suffolk, where its popularity soared. These mills, having for decades weaved in the purist tradition and technique, have done so in a whisper, quietly producing fine quality fabrics. Now, Zoffany is bringing this hushed technique to life in a contemporary collection that celebrates tradition.
In recognition of these pioneering weavers, Suffolk Damasks & Stripes is a collection of fabrics from Zoffany, inspired by archival designs, woven in one of the last remaining silk mills and dye houses, steeped in heritage using original techniques of production and woven in 100% natural fibres, including silk, linen and cotton.
Founded in 1903, this Suffolk mill has a proud history and a commitment to traditions that has not faltered. With this purity of design, and Zoffany’s commitment to provenance and artistry, Suffolk Damasks & Stripes is a meeting of design minds, retaining the integrity of the artisanal and archival in exemplary new fabrics for contemporary interiors.
“Ultimately, there is a simplicity to Damasks, a timelessness that reflects a purity of the design. These Damasks have come together from a sharing of Zoffany’s and the mill’s extensive knowledge of design and making of these fabrics. The colour, yarn, heritage and skill are all of equal importance and significance in the process.” - Peter Gomez, Lead Designer, Zoffany.
The mill is driven by the beauty of the bespoke, so much so that colours can be custom created too. Zoffany used the mill’s own archive to explore the rich history of colour recipes for this collection. Combined with Zoffany’s own ink box, a new palette was mixed for this collection that feels wholly useable, committed to the origin of Damasks but elevated from the everyday, with contemporary hues in the mix.
These colours are underscored by the textural and visual character of the fabrics themselves. There is no disguising, every fabric is real, authentic and meticulously selected to pair colour and design, lending an honesty to the collection – wool feels like wool, linen feels like linen, silk feels like silk. As it should be. Untampered by processes that detract from its natural beauty and texture, revealing truly exceptional fabrics.
“Damask is a design language that hasn’t changed. There is a consistency which makes them recognizable, that even the sands of time and technological shifts can’t alter. What we are doing is reincarnating designs, bringing them to the fore with a richness and familiarity… A Damask is a design that feels special. It carries colour with prestige and elevates every room it sits within. Damasks represent true classicism. Rediscovering these masterpieces at Temple Newsam and Knole has brought to light the eternal appeal of this style of design and allowed us to reconsider how it becomes contemporary, a future masterpiece for generations” – Peter Gomez, Lead Designer, Zoffany.
DISCOVER THE FULL COLLECTION
posted on 16 Jan 2024 in Interiors
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