(Jessica Zoob) This month I wanted to turn my attention to the great talents of our very own designers here in the UK, two of which are local to Norwich and one not so local. Wallpapers, fabrics, lighting, and furniture have always played a strong part in british culture and economy. Company’s such as Sanderson, Cole & Son, and Bronte and have continued to make their goods at home rather than finding cheaper production else where. Sanderson at one point were the largest exporters of British wallpaper and employed vast amounts of staff to keep up with this demand. Employment ranged from design right through to factory work. Sanderson’s growth through the years allowed them to buy out Morris & Co when it was in financial ruin. Morris & Co of course was founded by the greatest Interior Designer in history, William Morris. My point being that as a nation we have always produced extraordinary talent in the field of design and the three artists featured are no exception to the rule. Erica Wakerly:
Erica Wakerly is an award winning print designer based in London with family connections to Norwich, she established her design label in 2006 after studying at the Royal College of Art (Masters in Printed Textiles 2003-2005). Erica specialises in designing and producing wallpapers and interior textiles, which are described as ‘Modern and delicate. Distinct, but not overpowering’. Each design is striking in their own right, with geometrics and metallics being the main theme of choice through out her collections. Metallic papers can add an entirely different dimension to your interior as they reflect the ambient light in a room. On an overcast day the space can still feel bright and clean, and at night the walls will delicately reflect the warm glow of a candle creating a more intimate experience. Awards includes the Elle Decoration ‘Best Wallcovering’ award for the ‘Homes’ design and Erica was named ‘Young Designer of the Year’ in 2007 at the Homes & Gardens Classic Design awards. Jessica Zoob: As mentioned in January’s article, Black Edition was our highly rated brand of 2013 and this year sees the high standard set to continue, this time Black Edition have collaborated with one of the UK’s emerging artists, Jessica Zoob on the collection ‘Desire’ Jessica trained at Central School of Art and Nottingham University. Since 2000, she has worked exclusively as a contemporary artist from her home and studio in Lewes, East Sussex. Zoob’s imaginative use of line, texture and colour in her emotionally charged, contemporary impressionist paintings translate effortlessly onto fabrics and wallcoverings. Suzanne Antonelli: Last but not least is Suzanne Antonelli, Suzanne is a Norwich based textiles graduate and print designer who blends the fields of graphic design and textiles. Inspired by colour and shape she is interested in the juxtaposition between geometric pattern and organic surfaces. Her work includes organic cotton cushions which she prints using eco friendly inks, and she has also produced a series of high quality prints on bamboo paper. Recently she has been working with a company in Japan on a stationery range, and her forthcoming collection of printed scarves will be launched in Spring 2014. Suzanne is a graduate of Norwich University of The Arts.
