Design Icons

Design Icons

A yellow antique armchair in front of a blue William Morris wallpaper with fruit and leaves

Who was William Morris? The renowned designer who never goes out of style

Victorian designer and social reformer William Morris was a titan of British design and a leading figure in the English Arts and Crafts movement, whose influence is still felt today
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International Women's Day

Discover the forgotten women of the Arts and Crafts movement

May Morris, Mary Seton Watts, Margaret Macdonald… Well over a century ago, these pioneering women made a huge contribution to the Arts and Crafts movement, yet they were overshadowed by their male contemporaries. Now it’s their time to shine!
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Watts of Westminster

Behind the brand: Watts 1874

With a museum-standard archive, it’s no surprise that this esteemed heritage textile and wallpaper brand is a favourite with interior decorators. Feature Kara O’Reilly.
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Image of mid-century dining table and chairs

Mid-century modern furniture designers to know

Pick up a beautiful piece of vintage home-grown, post-war furniture and add sleek lines, solid construction and pleasing design to your home
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Two blue Wedgwood Jasperware vases shot against a burnt orange background

Wedgwood Jasperware: everything you need to know

As collectable now as it was in 1774, here's everything you need to know about Wedgwood Jasperware...
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Pocket String Shelving System in grey displayed with books and plants

Everything you need to know about the iconic String Shelving System

Julian Owen takes a look at how this sleek and stylish system revolutionised book shelving in the 1950s
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Blue and white Chinese Ginger Jar

A history of the Chinese ginger jar

Chinese ginger jars are beautiful, elegant and undeniably charming. Here, we explore their rich past
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Anglepoise original 1227 lamp

A history of the Anglepoise lamp

Based on engineering principles, the early 1930s design of the Anglepoise lamp by George Carwardine was a stroke of genius that revolutionised task lighting. More than eight decades later, his iconic masterpiece continues to inspire the company whose name is revered around the world
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Mochaware mugs

Everything you (probably) didn't know about mochaware

Once only found in pubs and taverns, in recent years mochaware has risen through the ranks. Sophie Hannam takes a look at the history behind this iconic piece of pottery
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Rectangular stool by Robert Thompson c1940, £1,800, Holly Johnson Antiques.

A history of Mouseman furniture and where to buy

Unearth the history of these classic wooden furniture designs, famous for the little signature mouse carved into every piece...
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An Art Nouveau advert for Olsina Water Paints

Art nouveau: the history, the designers, the antiques

With elegant female forms and soft curves, the art nouveau era was a period of design excellence
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Louis Vuitton Trunk

History of the Louis Vuitton trunk

Discover the history behind the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk. Feature Sophie Hannam & Velimir Ilic
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Shield Back Chairs

A guide to shield back chairs

Inspired by Inchyra House examples, Janet Gleeson charts the evolution of the elegant shield back chair design
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Isokon furniture

The evolution of Isokon furniture

Serena Fokschaner talks to Magnus Englund about the evolution of Jack Pritchard’s plywood furniture
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Mora clock

A history of the Mora Clock

Everything you need to know about Mora clocks, from their invention to buying one today
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Constance Spry Mantel Vase

A history of Constance Spry's mantel vases

Delve in to the history and enduring appeal of Constance Spry's mantel vases. Feature Mel Sherwood
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History of Crittall Windows

A history of Crittall windows

There’s no doubt Crittall is having a moment – and has been for a while. Here's everything you need to know about the brand & its history. Feature Julian Owen
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History of Wedgwood

A history of Wedgwood

Josiah Wedgwood’s tireless commitment to improvements in pottery, the local economy and social welfare had enduring effects in Staffordshire and beyond
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History of Fortnum & Mason

The history of Fortnum & Mason

Bolstered by dynamic advertising and no small amount of innovation, it’s little surprise that ‘the world’s most famous cornershop’ is still going strong after more than 300 years
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The Potteries

A history of the potteries

Improved transport links and advances in mechanisation saw a localised cottage industry join the global marketplace, says Willa Latham
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Worcester Porcelain company

A history of the Worcester Porcelain Company

In Worcestershire, it was the search for a healthier drinking vessel that sparked porcelain production, says Willa Latham
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Antique porcelain

A history of the Derby Porcelain Factory

Artistic skill and a keen eye for business ensured the continued success of Derby, says Willa Latham
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A history of the Bow Porcelain Factory

The gritty East End of London was the perfect place to experiment with a new type of porcelain, says Willa Latham
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A history of the Chelsea porcelain factory

Among the early pioneers of porcelain, Nicholas Sprimont understood the need to stand out, says Willa Latham
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