Exhibitions. Wool House. Somerset House, London, March 2013

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Willis Caldwell
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Exhibitions Wool House Somerset House, London, March 2013 Curated by Arabella McNie and promoted by Campaign for Wool, the brief was to create a house from wool products, ranging from the finest

There was a Natural Room by Josephine Ryan, Modern Room by Anna Kyyrö-Quinn, a Nursery by Donna Wilson, Snug by Arabella McNie, Study by Ashley Hicks, Classic Drawing Room by Fox Linton Associates,

1 Exhibitions Wool House Somerset House, London, March 2013 Curated by Arabella McNie and promoted by Campaign for Wool, the brief was to create a house from wool products, ranging from the finest fabrics for furnishings and fashion, to interior design and art. Each room was designed by a different expert in this field. There was a Natural Room by Josephine Ryan, Modern Room by Anna Kyyrö-Quinn, a Nursery by Donna Wilson, Snug by Arabella McNie, Study by Ashley Hicks, Classic Drawing Room by Fox Linton Associates, Bedroom by Kit Kemp and several rooms of fashion and tailoring. It was an amazing exhibition. Each room was beautifully dressed, and the attention to detail was perfect. There was a richness in content and style that created some real house envy. My favourite room had to be Anna Kyyrö-Quinn s Modern Room, with its bright bold colours and furnishings. Using a thick wool felt in bold colours, a room was created of wall panels that absorbed sound, while looking brilliantly on-trend and modern. The artistry involved with the pieces, from cushions to poufs to window dressings (it s too ordinary to call them curtains), were all beautifully constructed.

The Nursery by Donna Wilson was another fantastic room.

throws, with a giant mobile of rainclouds hanging in

2 The Nursery by Donna Wilson was another fantastic room. Filled with all her beautiful toys, cushions and throws, with a giant mobile of rainclouds hanging in the centre, it s everything you would want your child s room to be. The Bedroom by Kit Kemp also caught my eye, for the stitching on the huge bedhead. Using wool felt, leaf motifs were stitched and cut away, and co-ordinated with pillows and cushions. Exhibitions June

But interior decoration was not the end of it.

Felted wallhangings by Claudy Jongstra were the focal point of one room.

Interestingly, the Studio Claudy Jongstra is a self-sustaining enterprise.

specifically for the high quality wool they produce.

3 But interior decoration was not the end of it. There were amazing pieces of textile art featured throughout. Felted wallhangings by Claudy Jongstra were the focal point of one room. Four pieces were on display and the colours, textures and size of all were compelling. Interestingly, the Studio Claudy Jongstra is a self-sustaining enterprise. The Studio keeps, maintains and breeds their own flock of 17 th Century Drenthe Heath Sheep specifically for the high quality wool they produce. The dyes are exclusively vegetable-based and dye plants are grown for this purpose. Local talent from the village, all trained in weaving, keep these practices alive. So refreshing in the modern world that a sustainable and simple life can exist. Exhibitions June

Pieces by South African company Krafthaus were also on display

Below, you can see Krafthaus scarves and a Krafthaus bag.

Campaign for Wool to see what other delights they curate to keep

4 Pieces by South African company Krafthaus were also on display and were fantastic examples of modern design. Below, you can see Krafthaus scarves and a Krafthaus bag. Having stumbled upon this exhibition, I am keeping my eye on Campaign for Wool to see what other delights they curate to keep alive the quality and workmanship that wool engenders. Samantha Packer Exhibitions June

Alice Kettle: The Garden of England, Queen s House, Greenwich, London Not so much an exhibition as a chance to see three new works by Alice Kettle based on her response to the twin themes of the

They resulted in a study of floral decoration as it appears in the portraits and is carried over into the depiction of a bed of flowers, a flower filled hearth and a portrait, all displayed in the

5 Alice Kettle: The Garden of England, Queen s House, Greenwich, London Not so much an exhibition as a chance to see three new works by Alice Kettle based on her response to the twin themes of the portrait collection and the gardens surrounding the Queen s House at Greenwich. They resulted in a study of floral decoration as it appears in the portraits and is carried over into the depiction of a bed of flowers, a flower filled hearth and a portrait, all displayed in the North West Parlour of the Queen s House. An installation Flower Helix cascading down the well of the Tulip Staircase is also part of the work, a play on Queen Anne s lace. The individual flowers were a response to Alice s Facebook appeal and were worked by many different hands a lovely touch to involve so many people This installation is amazing. The staircase (the first cantilvered staircase to be built in England) is pretty special in its own right but, add the depth of the drop and the large work falling the entire length, and the impact is very strong. This lovely idea has enabled a variety of styles which all coalesce beautifully into a filmy, floaty confection that suits the location well. Exhibitions June

I was less sure about the North Parlour floral pieces.

difficult transition that was hard to pull off.

put together. However, I guess most flower beds are a mad jumble so perhaps that s nature stealing from art.

The portrait was good pure Alice but in a flowery mood, fitting the theme well.

6 I was less sure about the North Parlour floral pieces. I loved the pieces themselves but felt that taking floral elements from the portraits and transferring them to the (rather witty) bedshaped garden was a difficult transition that was hard to pull off. Individual elements of the flower-bed (below right) were stunning the lacy, edging and the individual flowers but it seemed a little uncoordinated when all put together. However, I guess most flower beds are a mad jumble so perhaps that s nature stealing from art. Flowers filling the grate were, I believe, made by Chichester University students see above left. The portrait was good pure Alice but in a flowery mood, fitting the theme well. It was based on a portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria who completed the Queen s house after the death of Anne of Denmark (James I s queen). In the original painting, her dress is quite plain and, in the Alice version, it looks as though all the flowers have fallen off her dress to congregate at the bottom of the portrait. Perhaps the wrapped threads around the frame are holding them in. Maybe they have all escaped to the grate below. Whatever the reason, the threads add a visual twist when viewed from different angles. Maggie Grey Exhibitions June

Delicate touch. British artist and designer Carolyn Quartermaine uses her French home as an inspiring three-dimensional sketchbook

Delicate touch. British artist and designer Carolyn Quartermaine uses her French home as an inspiring three-dimensional sketchbook British artist and designer Carolyn Quartermaine uses her French home as an inspiring three-dimensional sketchbook Delicate touch words kate constable pictures martin morrell 190 ELLE DECOration october