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House of Hackney X William Morris

posted by Mel Luff January 5, 2016

Sharing the same values and non-conformist approach Morris & Co and luxury British lifestyle brand, House of Hackney, were both formed as a rebellion ‘against the prevailing aesthetic of their time’. Both renowned for their iconic, maximalist prints we couldn’t envision a more perfect pairing.

For their latest ground-breaking collaboration, House of Hackney were invited by the William Morris Gallery to ‘reimagine his works for a new generation’.

When designers Frieda Gormley and Javvy Royle founded House of Hackney back in 2011 they drew inspiration from Morris’ imaginative use of natural imagery and ‘impeccable symmetry’.

Describing this latest collaboration as a ‘defining moment’ for the brand, Frieda and Javvy have chosen three key prints (Peacock and dragon, Hyacinth and Blackthorn) from the gallery archives and breathed a new life into them.

Adding House of Hackneys signature style by reworking the designs, experimenting with scale, repeat patterns and refreshing the original vegetable dye colour palette, the new prints are bolder, brighter and modernised without losing Morris’ quintessential charm.

The collection is completed with the Artemis Print, an original House of Hackney design and a ‘heightened, psychedelic homage to Morris’ work’. The print is both complementary and clashing bringing Morris into the contemporary world.