Neo-Classical Style Timney Fowler Cushions - 1980's/90s

Recently we acquired some obsolete sample books from the Timney Fowler range. Rather than throw them out we decided to create a stunning range of one of a kind cushions.

Timney Fowler are esteemed designers who started their business in1980, creating beautiful prints that typically consisted of Neo-Classical, architectural, and European art designs. Their work has also been exhibited in the V&A as well as the Fashion & Textile Museums in the UK, and have had clients such as Issey Miyake and Yohni Yamamoto. 

Timney Fowler designs are distinctive by their primarily black and white designs, adding a modern twist to the classical imagery used, with occasional pops of colour, like purples, greens and yellows, which can be seen below.

Warner Archive II: Fancy Stripe

We are talking about another chintz fabric again, after looking at this Robert Allen one a few weeks ago. This time it is a fabric from 1983 from the Archive II Collection by Warner. We have acquired 40 metres of "Fancy Stripe" in Green here in store.

"Fancy Stripe" in Green

Vintage- 1983.

This fabric would have been ideal for both curtaining and lining. Patterned linings like this make your curtains look interesting from the outside as well as in. 

If you haven't read our other blog post describing chintz, the fabric is usually a glazed cotton fabric with printed patterns and designs on a plain background. You can see from the photo of the chintz above the glazed look of the fabric.


If you want to have a look at this fabric and see if it is what you are looking for, pop into 51 Sandycove Road, Sandycove or call us on 01 2843486.




Lucy Kiernan

Ronald Reagan's Blanket

Following on from our last Vintage Wednesday on Sybil Connolly's fabric, we have another piece from the 1980's in our shop. In the past, Martin-Hudson & Gibson produced 3 wool blankets for Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States and radio, film and television actor. They were made for the use of the guest bedrooom at the US Ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park in Dublin for Regan's visit in 1984. In the end only 2 were used, and the remaining blanket is here at 51 Sandycove Road. 

Ronald Wilson Reagan, 1911-2004

The blanket at Martin-Hudson & Gibson, 51 Sandycove Road, Dublin.

The blanket is a simple cream 100% natural pure new wool with a satin border. It is an alternative to the modern duvet and is a little piece of history.

It was produced by Foxford Woolen Mills situated by the River Moy in County Mayo and is one of the last working mills in Ireland. Founded by Irish Sister of Charity Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard, it overcame many challenges over the years but it continues to succeed. Today it is a thriving mill, especially after its modernisation including the addition of a visitor's centre and restaurant. Foxford have four stores in Ireland and many all over the world. They began producing these traditional bed blankets when they were first established and have been doing so ever since. 

Source: http://www.foxfordwoollenmills.com/

Lucy Kiernan.