15 years ago, design historian Lesley Jackson walked into my vintage shop and asked if I would like to stock her newly authored book on Lancashire textile printworks ‘Hull Traders’.

From inspirational ceiling-smashing women artists to risk-taking manufacturing pioneers, I’ve been collecting and studying the rich histories of surface pattern design, artists, changemakers, and the UK’s textile heritage and it’s future from that point onward. The journey she set me off on has brought me so much joy. Thank you Lesley x

Below is part of the archive of original textile pieces held by art.illuminated. Some of these are repurposed into product available off-the-shelf to be loved again in new homes, some are destined for framing, some are destined for public spaces for all to enjoy.

If looking through these has whet your appetite to explore more about textile design history here are some links you might like.

Online:

The V&A. The V&A archive catalogue is huge, and you can lose yourself in it for hours.

In person:

The Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester hold an outstanding archive and regularly hold exhibitions focussed on textiles. It’s well worth a visit to this beautiful space. Entry is free. View their current exhibition programme here

In print:

Delve deep with Lesley Jackson’s back catalogue. As an historian specialising in 20th century design she has published at least eleven books. Twentieth Century Pattern Design: Textile & Wallpaper Pioneers is an excellent starting point.