Double celebration for award-winning design company

Chamber member, Artisanal wallpaper and fabric design company Marthe Armitage is celebrating a double success: the release of its newest collection just as one of its original designs became an award winner.

The design ‘Lobby’ was announced as the winner of the Home & Gardens Design Award for Best Printed Fabric, as the design was included in the Marthe Armitage’s new Polychrome Collection of nine fabrics.

The new collection uses three of Marthe Armitage’s original designs from their archives. Lobby, Passionflower and Old Man’s Beard have been rendered for the first time on fabric, each in three colourways. The company has re-mastered the lino block designs for screen printing using Marthe’s own method of hand printing, by overlaying two colours to produce a combined colour. In the 1950s, when Marthe Armitage started producing her intricate, botanical patterns, she initially had to print the large lino blocks on the floor. The blocks were cumbersome, and the repeating patterns were complex, so she limited herself to just one colour. She did, however, attempt one multi-coloured design, Lobby, using three blocks to create five colours. She printed just enough sheets to paper the garden lobby at her Georgian home in Chiswick before giving up due to its difficulty. Many years later, Marthe’s daughter Jo wondered if screen printing the design on fabric would be a way to bring to life the beautiful half tones and rich texture of the original multi-coloured floor-printed paper, with its dense, saturated colour – and the idea of a Polychrome Collection was born. The newest collection was photographed in Chiswick House, a favourite place of Marthe’s throughout her life. The classical interior of the house, says the company, provides the perfect backdrop for these “timeless, vibrant fabrics”.

Marthe Armitage Prints showroom and studio is open to the public on Fridays (other days by appointment). For information, visit www.marthearmitage.co.uk.

Lobby, Passionflower and Old Man’s Beard have been rendered for the first time on fabric, each in three colourways. The company has re-mastered the lino block designs for screen printing using Marthe’s own method of hand printing, by overlaying two colours to produce a combined colour.

Chiswick-based security firm safeguards the site of iconic Banksy Goat at Kew Bridge during restoration

Kingfisher SEC, a Chiswick-based company and a trusted name in professional security services, was recently entrusted with protecting the site of the iconic Banksy artwork, the “Goat,” at Kew Bridge. Since its appearance in August 2024, the piece has become a beloved symbol of the local community.

Following the decision to dismantle the artwork for restoration—a move that sparked mixed reactions among locals— Kingfisher SEC mobilized its security team within just a few hours of booking confirmation. The team ensured the safety of the wall and surrounding premises throughout the delicate removal process. The building remained secure under Kingfisher SEC’s watchful eye, even as the beloved artwork started its journey to Carlisle for restoration.

“Protecting such a significant location was both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Ash for Kingfisher SEC. “We understand the emotional connection this community has with the Banksy Goat.”

As the Goat embarks on its restoration journey, Kingfisher SEC remains committed to supporting the West London community by safeguarding its landmarks and cultural treasures.

I am one of the local community who relished having a local Banksy. It is so sad that the Banksy goat has gone – I hope it will come back.

Sally Smith