Wool is all about comfort and beauty. It is a fibre grown, not manmade, with an origin and integrity that has yet to be matched. Natural, renewable and sustainable it offers the most timeless and enduring quality to materials for many different lifestyle products for interiors, fashion, build and craft.
Here at Wool House we offer a window on the way that wool can inhabit a space. Diverse in use, colour and texture, wool truly shows its creative edge.
We owe this unique transformation to our supremely talented and creative Wool House designers and an array of highly skilled and dedicated people that work in our global textile industry. It is the matching of both sides that create style and substance.
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Time is precious but really good things take time. And so you will understand that wool is not a fast fibre; the journey it makes is peopled by those that are dedicated and that have spent many years perfecting their craft. These skills are in every wool garment, cloth, rug… and they are vital to the future of wool. Wool is a fibre for the life we lead, the people we love, the planet we inhabit.
<h2><strong>Entrance Lobby and Hallways</strong></h2>
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Make a Dramatic Entrance…
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A bold black and white themed entrance hall with contrasting bright and colourful connecting hallways sets the tone of a house filled with interest and style. Introduce stunning wool carpets and dramatic feature installations to instantly captivate the visitor.
<h2><strong>Tapestry by Claudy Jongstra </strong></h2>
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Claudy Jongstra trained as a fashion designer in Holland and established her own design studio after graduating from the Academy of Art in Utrecht. In 1994 Jongstra became intrigued by the ancient art of felt making – the technique of making non-woven fabrics by combining fibres with water and friction.
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Claudy worked for years to master the technical processes of felting and then experimented with an entirely new approach to the material. The process yielded a remarkable combination of transparency and density, combining sophisticated elegance with the apparently unrefined.
The appeal of the textures and the painterly quality of the material, when combined with Jongstra’s exceptional skills as a colourist has lead many artists, architects, and designers to seek out and use her textiles within their own work.
The bespoke collaborations and Jongstra’s responses to site and project specific briefs include all aspects of the use and display of textiles in private interiors and architectural spaces. She has created vast wall hangings and installations for the Atrium at Lincoln Center, the United Nations building, the Dutch Embassy in Berlin, and the Rem Koolhaas Kunsthal in Rotterdam. The Studio’s most recently completed public projects include the wall installations for the central atrium and other art works for the acclaimed new Barnes Foundation museum in Philadelphia (Tod Williams Bille Tsien Architects), and two vast opposing tapestries for the core public space at the new QMUL (Queen Mary University of London) Arts Two Building designed by Wilkinson Eyre.
Her work has been acquired by many museums and is included in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London; the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, New York; The RISD Museum, Rhode Island; and several important Dutch museums.
The method of production used by the Studio has also attracted much interest, including many awards including the prestigious Dutch prize for applied arts and architecture: The Prins Bernhard Cultuurfondsprijs, and, most recently, an invitation to exhibit and explain the work at Davos. The entire sustainable process, from the raising of the sheep for the raw material and the plants for the natural dyes, is kept ‘in house’ and is all executed by hand.
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Ultimately, it is the decorative enhancement and visual warmth that the textured beauty of the pieces brings to the varied spaces to which Jongstra has been asked to ‘respond’ that enthrals and entices.
Willer represents Studio Claudy Jongstra in London, <a href=”www.willer.co.uk”>www.willer.co.uk</a>
<h2><strong>Natural Room by Josephine Ryan </strong></h2>
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Josephine Ryan was born in England and spent childhood summers at her grandmother’s house in County Limerick, moving to Ireland with her family when she was 12. After her mother, then her maternal grandmother died when she was 44, she discovered her other grandfather was in fact a Parisian, perhaps explaining her other obsession with all things French.
Our Brief…
Josephine’s brief was to create a room with a country feel, using more naturally coloured and coarser textured wools instead of her trademark linens. Inspired by her Celtic roots, she has used old Arran jumpers for her upholstery and a mix of knit and weave textures to create a very layered interior. Warm browns add a rich tone to the more neutral palette of greys and creams.
About our Wool House designer…
Josephine Ryan was born in England and spent childhood summers at her grandmother’s house in County Limerick, moving to Ireland with her family when she was 12. After her mother, then her maternal grandmother died when she was 44, she discovered her other grandfather was in fact a Parisian, perhaps explaining her other obsession with all things French. She now combines
a career as an antique dealer, interior designer/stylist and writer. She has over the years developed her own very distinctive style, dividing her time between homes in London and Uzes in France. She is very influenced by her family origins, “I think of myself as Irish – Ireland is my heart”.
<a href=”josephineryanantiques.co.uk”>josephineryanantiques.co.uk</a>
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<h2><strong>Modern Room by Anne Kyyrö-Quinn </strong></h2>
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Kyyrö Quinn combines her art training with her design skills to create richly textured textile panels. She eschews surface embellishment to expose the substance, structure and tactility that woollen felt has. Exhibited internationally since the late 1990s when she established her studio, Kyyrö Quinn’s work moves easily between art and design. Her most recent work explores the possibilities of combining 100% wool felt and acoustics in her signature three-dimensional technique.
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Our Brief…
Anne’s brief was to create a contemporary living space using bold colour and strong shapes to show how modern wool can feel. Her work with felted wool, cutting and folding to add texture is instantly recognisable and here her three dimensional stripes are emphasised by the curved wall. The bold colour is striking in an off white room. Her blinds are made by recycling the waste felt after she has cut out petal shapes.
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About our Wool House designer…
With their sculptural silhouettes, minimalist motifs and textured surfaces, the fabrics designed by Finnish-born artist Anne Kyyrö Quinn are currently some of the most visionary expressions of felt textiles. One of the first contemporary artists to rediscover felt and update it for the twenty-first century, Kyyrö Quinn broke fresh ground when she used the material to pioneer a striking range of interior textiles.
Kyyrö Quinn combines her art training with her design skills to create richly textured textile panels. She eschews surface embellishment
to expose the substance, structure and tactility that woollen felt has. Exhibited internationally since the late 1990s when she established her studio, Kyyrö Quinn’s work moves easily between art and design. Her most recent work explores the possibilities of combining 100% wool felt and acoustics in her signature three-dimensional technique.
Anne Kyyrö Quinn regularly collaborates with leading architects and interior designers to create bespoke installations for private residences as well as public spaces.
<h2><strong>Nursery by Donna Wilson </strong></h2>
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Donna Wilson runs a studio and workshop in London having set up her company in 2003 after making odd knitted creatures for her final show at the Royal College of art. The creatures sold out and since then she has built her business designing and making a collection of curious cushions, luxurious lambswool blankets, and a variety of products for the home.
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Our Brief…
Donna’s brief was to create a fantastical nursery that would feed a child’s imagination. Donna’s singular approach to design for children is very unique and Arabella, our curator, wanted her to bring this to a child’s bedroom. Her wonderland scheme of trees and sky, clouds and raindrops comes alive with the three dimensional leaves on the walls. The felt walling is warm to the touch, and the dotty rug makes a great play area.
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About our Wool House designer…
Originally from Scotland, Donna Wilson runs a studio and workshop in London having set up her company in 2003 after making odd knitted creatures for her final show at the Royal College of art.
The creatures sold out and since then she has built her business designing and making a collection of curious cushions, luxurious lambswool blankets, and a variety of products for the home.
Passionate about creating products that people can connect with, her studio is committed to making things that her customers will treasure and use UK based manufacturers and suppliers wherever possible to help keep craftsmanship alive.
In 2010 Donna won the coveted accolade of ‘Designer of the Year’ at Elle Decoration’s British Design Awards. She recently exhibited a solo show of knitted sculptures and paintings, entitled ‘Endangered Species’, at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
<a href=”www.donnawilson.com”>www.donnawilson.com</a>
<h2><strong>Snug by Arabella McNie, the Curator of Wool House </strong></h2>
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Arabella McNie started her career working for Mary Fox Linton, where she developed a love of textiles and a keen sense of colour and texture. As a freelance stylist she has produced advertising campaigns for some of the leading names in interiors, as well as styling for books and magazines.
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Our Brief…
I wanted to create a space that showed how the ethnic heritage of wool can be used in a contemporary way. I took as my inspiration a wonderful antique kelim from central Turkey, which forms the centrepiece for this room scheme. I have used a mixture of plain and patterned upholstery from main-stream collections, that evoke the style of weaves that can be found all over the world. Two of the cushions have been made using fragments from a 19th century hand woven tribal kelim, and the wool braid trim would have been used on a nomadic Uzbek yurt.
About our Wool House designer…
Arabella McNie started her career working for Mary Fox Linton, where she developed a love of textiles and a keen sense of colour and texture. As a freelance stylist she has produced advertising campaigns for some of the leading names in interiors, as well as styling for books and magazines. ‘I take my inspiration from what
I see around me. I’m particularly passionate about nature, and love seeing the minute changes in the seasons as I walk the dog in our local park. From the first shoots of spring to the fiery reds of autumn and the hoar frosts of winter, there is something amazing to see every day.’ She lives and works in London.
<h2><strong>Study by Ashley Hicks </strong></h2>
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Ashley Hicks trained at the Architectural Association in London. After working briefly with his father, well known interior designer David Hicks, he started his own practice. He has designed architecture and interiors in Europe, the USA and UK, mixing private residential projects with occasional commercial work. He divides his time between London and his home in Oxfordshire.
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Our Brief…
Ashley’s brief was to design a man’s study, incorporating suiting wools for a tailored look. He took the idea of a classic English Savile Row suit, incorporating flashes of strong colour as you might with suit linings, braces or a handkerchief.
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About our Wool House designer…
Ashley Hicks trained at the Architectural Association in London. After working briefly with his father, well known interior designer David Hicks, he started his own practice. He has designed architecture and interiors in Europe, the USA and UK, mixing private residential projects with occasional commercial work. He divides his time between London and his home in Oxfordshire.
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<a href=”www.ashleyhicks.com”>www.ashleyhicks.com</a>
<h2><strong>Classic Drawing Room by Fox Linton Associates </strong></h2>
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Fox Linton Associates
Designing and delivering world-class living spaces, private residences, hotels and spas and commercial buildings across the world.
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Our Brief…
Fox Linton Associates were asked to design an elegant drawing room, using the most luxurious wools. Their colour palette of navy, soft blue and white is classic and stylish, offset by copper accessories. The satin weave of the walling and curtain fabric lends a subtle sheen that is beautiful, and the boucle wool on the armchair reminds Arabella, our curator, of a Chanel suit. Simple detailing is all that is needed.
About our Wool House designers… Mary Fox Linton
Mary Fox Linton is an interior designer who specialises in architectural projects with over 50 years’ experience. She has remained at the forefront of design and innovation and has won the admiration of many professionals in her field. In 1977 Mary established Fox Linton Associates and today is known for her modern use of materials and stylish sense of comfort. Her portfolio is extensive, including both corporate and private commissions globally.
Mary was awarded the Royal Oak Foundation Timeless Design Award to mark a lifetime’s achievement to the international world of design. And at this year’s Annual Homes and Gardens Awards, Mary was awarded the accolade of Lifetime Achievement Award for significant and enduring contribution to design in Britain.
Peter Young
With 17 years’ experience in design and architecture Peter Young joined Fox Linton Associates in 2004. He has since worked on projects for the Dorchester Group and Campbell Gray Hotels with Le Gray in Beirut, together with other luxury, high end hotel and residential properties. Peter’s present role as director and lead designer involves client liaison, project management and design overview of all projects.
<a href=”www.foxlinton.co.uk”>www.foxlinton.co.uk</a>
<h2><strong>Bedroom by Kit Kemp </strong></h2>
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<a href=”http://www.campaignforwool.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Wool-House-4.001.jpg”><img class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-1521″ alt=”Wool House 4.001″ src=”http://www.campaignforwool.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Wool-House-4.001.jpg” width=”1024″ height=”768″ /></a>Created as a prototype bedroom for Hamyard Hotel, Soho, designed by Kit Kemp
Our Brief…
Famous for her hotel designs, Kit Kemp was asked to create a dream bedroom in her own unique style. Her scheme is a wonderful combination of colour, pattern and texture, with her trademark plainer boiled wools embellished with embroidery and appliqué to stunning effect. Even the wool fabric chosen for the walling has a wonderful stitch pattern to it.
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About our Wool House designer…
Internationally celebrated interior designer Kit Kemp MBE creates exciting and unique interiors, in particular with her work as Design Director for Firmdale Hotels which she co owns with her husband Tim. She has an individual and original approach to interiors and arranges spaces with a carefree, colourful spirit. Her new book, A Living Space, embodies her design ethos in great detail. Her work has been recognised with prestigious awards such as the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year and British House and Garden magazine’s Hotel Designer of the Year.
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<a href=”firmdalehotels.com”>firmdalehotels.com</a>
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