Damascene SS21

B I R DIE FO RT E S CUE D A M A S C ENE SS21

DAMASCENE Two summers ago I was standing in one of the cavernous rooms in the Topkapi Palace which was covered from floor to ceiling in the most exquisite Iznik tiles. The designs ranged from delicately executed florals to sharp geometrics, all arranged together in a riot of colour that managed to achieve a look of complete harmony and balance. This was the inspiration for the Damascene collection.

Back in our studio we started to experiment with these traditional Iznik motifs, hand painting the designs and making small adjustments until the final compositions emerged. From a tiny remnant of a 17th century embroidery emerged the Anatolia and Arabesque prints. The Cini and Adana geometrics re-imagine densely arranged tiles whilst the stitched Cintamani border is a traditional Iznik motif signifying luck and power. Damascene has a bold colour palette and is richly layered yet crucially maintains our restrained, calm aesthetic. As a whole the collection has a sense of optimism which couldn’t be more timely.

Alongside these key block prints and embroideries we have created a vibrant range of painted rattan furniture, new lamp bases in bone and etched glass and some lovely accessories made from woven palm leaves.

For the first time our key prints have been reproduced on a bespoke water resistant fabric and made into cushions for garden chairs, benches and outdoor sofas.

Whilst sourcing antiques has been a different experience this year, I am thrilled with the pieces we have found with the help of our trusted suppliers throughout Europe. Our collection of contemporary art is stronger than ever with some wonderful new pieces from Cornelia O’Donavan, Dana Finch and Claire Oxley amongst others.

Every piece designed in our Norfolk studio or sourced from across the globe has been carefully considered, not only to work with other pieces in the Damascene collection, but to sit easily alongside existing furnishings both in traditional and contemporary homes alike. We have focused more than ever on truly artisanal methods of making and continue to build long term relationships with skilled producers in India, Morocco and beyond. Every piece in this collection is made as either a very small batch or a limited edition to maintain exclusivity and quality.

I hope you enjoy our lookbook and find yourself transported to another place that is exotic and faraway yet completely rooted in home.

SUMMER SOIREES The Damascene table is layered with abundant pattern, structured forms and soft, summer colour. Anchored by a gentle indigo, the palette of the Anatolia and Serit linens lends itself to schemes based around rose pink, muted raspberry and mossy green; colours of overflowing July borders, summer grasses and orchards laden with fruit.

Here the softness of the Anatolia tablecloth is balanced by the architectural shapes of the Serit placemats and the simplicity of the coordinating napkins. A profusion of textures in the ceramics and glassware bounces light across the different surfaces.

In candlelight this effect is augmented; the opaque Minaret candlesticks appearing to glow and delicate shadows thrown by loose floral arrangements becoming part of the trailing print

Serit Scalloped Placemat £17.50

Kaanch Vases From £14.50

Anatolia Tablecloth From £150

Minaret Glass Candlesticks From £25

Serit Bordered Napkin £14.50

Cabbageware From £18.50

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he soft curves of the Serit placemat are subtly reflected in the gently scalloped edge of the Dalga ceramics. This undulating border is individually hand-painted onto each piece by skilled ceramicists in Northern Morocco. Bowls inspired by 19th century Fajalauza Lebrillo earthenware are given a restrained, contemporary look with traditional designs painted onto fresh, white ceramics.

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01 Andalucian Bowls From £45, 02 Dalga Tableware From £17.50, 03 Arabesque Floral Napkin - £14.50, 04 Potterie Textured Pot - £14.50 Right: Anatolia Tablecloth From £150, Serit Scalloped Placemat - £17.50, Set of 6 Pulegoso Glass Tumblers - Pink £59.50, Set of 4 Rimmed Wine Glasses - Clover £70.00

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ired in kilns dug deep into the sand on the Western fringes of the Sahara Desert, every piece of Tamegroute pottery is bound in a rich narrative of nomadic culture and historic craftsmanship. The intense green of the traditional glazes speaks of humid summer evenings and lush landscapes.

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01 Tamegroute Bowl From £19.50, 02 Natural Woven Placemat - £8.50, 03 Tamegroute Candlesticks From £19.50 , 04 Dalga Tableware From £17.50 Left : Teras Dining Chairs - £175 , Set of 4 Strie Glass Tumblers - Clover £65.00, Linear Wooden Cutlery Set £120, Arabesque Floral Napkins £14.50

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oastal cerulean, rich indigo and pale powder sit together in translucent glass, printed linen and hand-painted details. Soft, organic forms are combined with strong architectural shapes against a backdrop of abundant floral and lavish foliate prints.

Above: Natural Woven Placemat - £8.50, Set of 4 Strie Glass Tumblers - Midnight £65.00, Linear Wooden Cutlery Set - £120, Potterie Bud Vase - £9.50, Arabesque Floral Napkin £14.50, Dalga Tableware Blue From £17.50, Right: Ribbed Kaanch Flower Vase - Dark Blue From £14.50, Set of 6 Pulegoso Glass Tumblers - Indigo £59.50, Minaret Glass Candlesticks From £25, Anatolia Tablecloth From £150, Serit Bordered Napkin - £14.50, Serit Scalloped Placemat - £17.50, Cabbage Dinner Plates - Green £21.00

CALM AND COLLECTED In the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, richly painted tiles stretch from floor to ceiling in an exquisite riot of pattern and colour. This abundant look has been translated into a series of cushions, throws and bedspreads rendered in block print, embroidery and appliqué. Layering ornate florals, dense geometrics and diverse textures creates a feel that is reminiscent of the English country house look, yet is utterly fresh and original.

Cushions in carefully considered shapes and sizes create effortlessly balanced schemes on sofas, beds and armchairs whilst intricately embroidered statement Suzanis, block-printed bedspreads and classic wool throws provide the perfect foils for the key prints in the collection.

Lamp bases in new, tactile materials are complimented by shades in woven raffia and timeless pleated linen.

Cini Geometric Cushion - £85, Adana Geometric Cushions From £65, Cintamani Velvet Cushion - £70, Aegean Chevron Cushion - £65, Limited Edition Kantha Throw From £125 , 19th Century Swedish Painted Sofa - £3,300.00, Ikat Printed Rug From £150

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ichly patterned textiles and riotous embroidery are layered together with carefully chosen pieces of antique furniture.

The soft brushwork of the Dana Finch landscape contrasts with the hard lines of the furniture and the whole is brought together with an eloquent and restrained hand. The result is a characterful yet understated, calm space.

Pent Raffia Lampshade - Pistachio £55.00, Henry Dean Vases From £23.60, Adana Geometric Cushions From £65, Cintamani Velvet Cushion - £70, Curated Edition Suzani Throw - £700, 19th Century Swedish Painted Sofa - £3,300.00, Limited Edition Suzani Rug - £795, Ankara Velvet Cushion - £75

Left: Seema Raffia Lampshade From £52.50, Adana Geometric Cushions From £65, Cintamani Velvet Cushions £70, Curated Edition Suzani Throw - £700, Thuluth Ridged Glass Lamp - £165 Above: Curated Edition Suzani Throw - £700, Shibori Cushion - £90

RESTFUL MOMENTS

Cini Geometric Cushion - £85

Serit Bordered Lampshade From £75

Tulip suzani Throw £475

Warm rose pinks and leafy greens run through every element in this bedroom. Texture abounds; from the exquisite hand-embroidery of the Suzani throw to the dense patterns of the Cini cushion and Aegean lampshade. The composition of finely rendered block prints, delicate stitching and textural weaves is carefully balanced by striking floral elements and rich colour. The palette is anchored by the tones in Cornelia O’Donovan’s dream-like paintings of flora and fauna.

In this space of utter comfort, sumptuous textiles take centre stage.

The bed is layered with a cotton Benekli bedspread, embroidered Suzani and a Kutlu throw in purest wool. A Kareli rug adds warmth and texture.

Right: Adana Geometric Cushions From £65, Cintamani Velvet Cushions from £70, Karanfil Cushion - £85, Canli Cheveron Lampshade From £65, Kareli Check Rug From £395, Tulip Suzani Throw - £475, Potterie Bud Vase £9.50, Ribbed Kaanch Flower Vase From £14.50, Benekli Bedspread - £550, Teras King Size Headboard - £250, Kutlu Wool Throw- £125 ,

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rose tinted room filled with subtle, textural details. Deep raspberry tones in the Sonia Barton still-life and Terras headboard ground this delicate posy of pinks.

Left: Cintamani Velvet Cushions From £70, Cini Geometric Cushion - £85, Teras Single Headboard - £175, Wool Throw- £74.50, Limited Edition Kantha Throw From £125, Intarsia Lamp £220, Pent Raffia Lampshade From £55, Crosshatch Linen Bedspread £325.00, Potterie Petal Vase From £35, Sonia Barton Painting ‘Blue Japanese Cup’ - £550 Above: Adana Geometric Cushions From £65, Benekli Bedspread - £550, Geometric Woven Tray - £65

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attern and texture are layered with confidence throughout textiles, furniture, artwork and decorative objects. To recreate this tonal look, work around base pieces in the darkest colour. Here the Teras headboard and Serit lampshade provide an anchor for the lighter hues in the Suzani bedspread, Kaanch vases and soft abstracts.

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01 Clair Oxley Paintings ‘Shingle Spit’ - £450 and ‘Sea Aster’ - £450, 02 Pomegranate Suzani Throw - £475, 03 Teras Single Headboard - £175, 04 Cintamani Velvet Cushions from £70, 05 Cini Geometric Cushion - £85, 06 Serit Border Lampshade From £75, 07 Thuluth Ridged Glass Lamp - £165, 08 Ribbed Kaanch Flower Vase From £14.50, Right: Limited Edition kantha Throw £125, Intarsia Lamp £220, Pent Raffia Lampshade From £55, Crosshatch Linen Bedspread £325.00, Kareli Check Rug From £395, Bengali Embroidered Cushion - £75, Staple Velvet Cushion - £65

HAVADA

BRINGING THE INSIDE OUT Imagine the complete comfort of a relaxed sitting room set under leafy trees and amongst abundant summer borders. This is the concept of the Havada collection. Cushions, seat pads and mattresses made using water resistant fabric in Anatolia, Arabesque and Aegean designs are the ultimate solution to outdoor comfort with no compromise on style. When paired with chairs, tables and sofas from the Teras collection, these sumptuous soft furnishings bring the comforts of home outside. Pick a shady spot in the garden, create a stylish space on a terrace or make a luxurious pop-up in a sunny meadow and bring the inside out.

Havada Anatolia Cushion - £55

Here the bold Aegean geometric print is combined with the sinuous Anatolia and Arabesque florals. Soft, mossy greens, rose pinks and gentle cornflower blues are perfect colours for the garden.

Havada Arabesque Sofa Mattress - £145

Havada Aegean Chevron Cushion - £60

Left: Teras Sofa - £600, Havada Aegean Chevron Cushion - £60, Havada Arsbesque Chushion - £55, Havada Aegean Chevron Sofa Mattress - £145, Limited Edition Kantha Throw From £125, Woven Wastepaper Basket - £50 Above : Teras Dining Chair - £175, Havada Aegean Chevron Seat Pad - £40

MIX AND MATCH

01 Havada Aegean Chevron Cushion - £60, 02 Karanfil Embroidered Cushion - £85, 03 Banjara Mozek Cushion Rectangular - £90 , 04 Havada Anatolia Cushion - £55, Banjara Mozek Cushion Square - £90, Banjara Roset Cushion Rectangular - £75 Right: Havada Arabesque Sofa Mattress - £145, Havada Arabesque Cushion - £55

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ayered on the lawn or under a shady tree, Havada mattresses are the epitome of luxury for Elysian summer afternoons.

Imagine hastily arranged picnics with piles of blankets and cushions, or sun baked terraces with deck chairs and sun beds laid with soft mattresses.

Havada Arabesque Sofa Mattress - £145, Havada Aegean Chevron Mattresses - £145, Waffle Towels From £19.50

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he Teras dining chair makes a bold statement with just the right blend of classic style and contemporary flair.

These timeless pieces look stylish in any setting and can be styled in fun, mix and match combinations that are perfect for summer entertaining.

Havada Aegean Chevron Chair Cushions - £85, Teras Dining Chairs - £175, Havada Aegean Chevron Seat Pads - £40 Left: Havada Arabesque Chair Cushion - £85, Teras Armchairs - £195,

SENNOWE PARK Sennowe Park is an extraordinary Edwardian country house. Perched on a hill surrounded by ancient woodland and dominated by an enormous, belfry-topped water tower, it occupies a commanding position in the landscape. Like so many houses of this kind, Sennowe is a palimpsest; its Edwardian skin wrapped around bones dating back to the 1770s.

Records suggest that buildings

were present on the site as early as the 15th century, with the first significant house built in 1774.

Despite this, the majority of the elements visible today are less than 150 years old; including the lake, lodge houses, winter garden and the Campanile tower. These were the vision of architect George Skipper who was appointed by Thomas Albert Cook to transform Sennowe from a modest Georgian house into the richly ornate edifice that stands today. Skipper’s creation remains almost completely unaltered.

Sennowe’s charm is its lived-in air and the contrast between the grandeur of the architecture and the homeliness at its heart.

WITH THANKS LOCATION

Sennowe Park

PR & MARKETING

Rawlins George

PLANTS

HortiCo Ltd

WORDS

Beth Philpott

PHOTOGRAPHY

Helen Cathcart & Matt Keal

B I R DIE F ORT ES CUE Shop online: birdiefortescue.co.uk online@birdiefortescue.co.uk 01328 851 651 Visit us in store: 4 Clipbush Business Park, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 8SX Follow us: @birdiefortescue