Our monthly edit of news, shopping inspiration and inside information
SPOTLIGHT ON… Evocative Elegance
Festooned with butterflies and flowers embroidered and painted by hand, An English Butterfly Garden is the enchanting new silk wallpaper collection by interior designer Katharine Pooley for Fromental, inspired by her gardens in the Oxfordshire countryside and sold with a donation to the charity Butterfly Conservation. She says: “I have been delighted to see how the story of my garden has unfolded so beautifully ‘stroke by stroke’ and ‘stitch by stitch’ by Fromental’s world-leading, meticulous atelier of artists. Together we have created a wonderfully whimsical scene, as if one has accidentally wandered into a secret English garden full of beauty and intrigue.” katharinepooley.com; fromental.co.uk
King Honours Queen of Paint Annie Sloan is awarded the CBE
In his first Birthday Honours List, His Majesty The King awarded paint maven Annie Sloan the CBE for services to interior design.
Annie says: “To be given the CBE is just extraordinary and is the best acknowledgment of my life’s work I can imagine. I’m extremely honoured to be recognised in this way. This honour is very much appreciated by me as a champion of creativity for all. I’ve tried to support independent businesses around the world and further the understanding of the connection between colour, painting and well-being.”
After training as a fine artist in the 1970s, Annie began painting murals on commission but could not find one paint that did everything she needed. “I wanted a paint that was easy to use, quick to dry and could be mixed with other colours.” she says. “The most important thing for me was not having to do any prep, so you can just start painting whenever the mood takes you.”
She invented Chalk Paint, a water-based non-toxic quality formula with a velvety matt finish that sticks to any surface inside and outside the home without the need for priming or sanding. Proudly made in England, it now comes in 43 mixable colours, with a range of decorator’s accessories.
Annie says: “Everything I do is designed to help my customers transform their worlds and inspire them further in their decorative adventures. I am committed to making the world a more colourful place, saving unloved furniture from landfill, sustainability and giving everyone the power to transform their homes.” anniesloan.com
Craft Pioneers Crowned His Majesty rewards Benchmark
Handcrafted furniture maker Benchmark has been awarded in the first King’s Awards for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
Official Palace documents describe the company’s creation
