Innovative, intelligent, artistic design is founded upon a strong heritage of craftsmanship. Founded by John Perry, Cole & Son was first established in the borough of Islington in North London, an area renowned for its 190 hand-block printing businesses at the time. Today, the Cole & Son archive is a beautiful and inspiring chronicle of artistic styles and expressions spanning three centuries. Consisting of approximately 2,000 block print designs, 500 screen print patterns and a vast quantity of original drawings and wallpapers. The archive and log of commissions attest to some of the most important decorating schemes of the 19th and 20th Centuries; from stately homes such as Chatsworth House, Blickling Hall and Audley End to Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the wallpaper designs of A.W. Pugin featured in the Palace of Westminster – a collection which is still faithfully maintained today. On occasion, this extensive archive is a source of inspiration for new designs within collections. Elements from historic prints and patterns are carefully selected, adapted and coloured by the Design House artists and printed by craftsmen to produce wallpapers faithful to the character of the original document, yet contemporary in feel. Some of Cole & Son’s most iconic prints have since inspired a fabric collection. The Contemporary Collection – Fabrics is a beautifully curated range of textiles including the lusciously leafed Palm Jungle, offered as a linen union and velvet, as well as the Contemporary classic Woods. With a commitment and passion for design excellence, the Design House of Cole & Son is dedicated to producing unique and distinctive designs which help shape beautiful, inviting interiors through colour and pattern.
