Some of the most vivid and idiosyncratic textiles we’ve seen come from Borderline Fabrics in the UK, Sally Baring’s fabric emporium featuring designs by celebrated bohemians such as Cressida Bell, Enid Marx, and Florence Broadhurst. Many of her fabrics are printed by hand on heavyweight natural Irish linen; in London, you can see the offerings at the Watts of Westminster showroom in the Chelsea Harbour Design Center. In the US, they are available through Classic Revivals in Boston, MA (One Design Center Place, Suite 534; 617-574-9030). The very knowledgeable owner, John Buscemi (a distant relative of the actor), a historian as well as a fabric expert, will regale you with fascinating snippets of information. You can also find Borderline Fabrics at Lucy Rose Design in Chicago.
Below: Waves, from the 1930s collection.
Below: Star, by Enid Marx (a second cousin of Karl Marx).
Below: Cornucopia, by Enid Marx.
Below: Black Goose by E. Q. Nicholson, who also designed fabrics for HM Yacht Britannia.
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