Lucy Elisabeth Wirework

 

We are pleased to welcome Lucy Elisabeth Wirework to our exhibitor list for the next Independent Interiors Show which will be taking place on September 27th.

Lucy specialises in freehand wirework art which she has developed from the wirework techniques which she also uses to create jewellery. The themes she uses are mainly based on images of flora/fauna, although she also takes on commissions, if you have something more specific in mind.

 

Lucy works 'freehand,' meaning she doesn't use a template, or hold and shape the wire over any scaled up image. She uses three basic tools to create her work, long and round nose jewellery pliers and a pair of cutters. Images are then either 2D mounted onto watercolour card, or 3D works have 'stalk extensions' from the work, meaning it supports itself. The images she works from are just sketches or pen line drawings from life and photos, although sometimes she does go directly to just 'drawing with the wire'.

Using coated copper and silver plated jewellery wire means it is malleable and adaptable to most designs. The wire comes in so many different gauges and colours that similar designs can be created and yet look totally individual, bold and linear or detailed and delicate.

 

 

Follow Lucy on Twitter @LucyElisabethC or for more information about her work visit www.lucyelisabeth.com

 

 

 

John Lewis Celebrates 150 Years

 

This Bank Holiday weekend saw the start of nationwide celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the very British institution that is John Lewis. Originally a draper's shop which was opened on London's Oxford Street in 1864 selling fabrics and haberdashery supplies for dressmaking, the brand has come a long way in 150 years.

From fashion to furniture, jewellery and textiles there are some fantastic limited edition pieces in store and online to get your hands on from some of the biggest names in design like Alessi, Lee Broom, Antoni and Alison and Orla Kiely. Here we have rounded up our top picks from the 150th anniversary homeware range.

 



                                                   Statement Lighting By Lee Broom  

 

 

 

Our favourite piece from the 150th anniversary range is this crystal pendant light from British designer Lee Broom (£239) Made out of 24 carat plated gold, this light is guaranteed to add a touch of luxury to any room. Taking it's inspiration from decadent crystal decanters, if you love this light you will be blown away by Lee's 5-decanter chandelier design below which is also available from John Lewis (£1'190).

 

 

The Design Classics

A John Lewis Design Icon this Vitra DSR chair (£224)  has been reproduced in a vibrant green part of the 150th anniversary colour palette. 

 

 

 

This Ercol Windsor 206 Footstool in Cayenne Orange (£480) has a limited edition run of just 30 pieces in the special anniversary linen. Get yours while you can!

 

  Perfect Prints 

For a splash of colour and print these cushions are perfect for brightening up your sofa this spring.

Looking to their archives for inspiration, these cushions have been created using original prints from the John Lewis design studio which have been updated for their anniversary celebrations. The daisy chain print was created in the 1960s and was available to buy in John Lewis stores for over 20 years in several different colour ways. We love the yellow print cushion on the left (£35) which has been updated using a high quality PVC so it's perfect for outdoor use when the sun shines!

The geo print cushion in the middle (£25) was originally a 1950's dress fabric which has been updated and reworked into a cushion. You can also buy the fabric in-store if you fancy making some of your own home accessories. We think it would look great used in curtains.

 

      Feeling Crafty?

 

We just love these colourful special edition ribbons in the 150th anniversary colour palette, perfect for your next craft project and once the ribbon has run out you can re-use them. The spools are made out of beautiful mango wood.

 

The Ultimate Bread Bin

Is this the ultimate bread bin? We think so. From Wesco who are renowned metal manufacturers this is an exclusive design called the Breadboy Bread Bin (£74.95). The design is simple and stylish and even has it's own ventilation system to keep all your baked goods fresh!

You can buy a number of other Wesco kitchen items all in the anniversary colour palette including scales and canisters.

                                                                   Anyone for Tea?

 

Finally who wouldn't want to drink their tea out of one of these? 150th anniversary mugs available from £10

 

All images courtesy of John Lewis

You can check availability of items via your local store or online at www.johnlewis.com