London-based textile studio Thorody was established in 2010 by painters Vicky Putler and Theo Sykes who, with a shared love of pattern, decided to apply their talents to printed textiles. Their new ‘Tile’ collection features 4 designs, Olé, Nessie, Hoof and Tile, all available as cushions in two sizes and by the metre.
The use of straight lines to create their patterns puts me in mind of some vintage geometric Japanese textile designs. Here Vicky and Theo talk about Thorody’s style:
Over the last 3 years we have developed a unique and distinctive abstract style. Perhaps because we are painters, we print with the closest thing to paint, ie. pigment.
Thorody’s style is characterized by the use of short, hand drawn lines. This short line has proved to have many wonderful aesthetic qualities which we have only begun to explore. It also reduces the pigment load on the fabric…we want our fabric to feel as good as it looks.
Our hand drawn designs reflect a love of early modernism infused with a hint of South East London. Our unique style distils visual elements of the city and is best described as ‘rustic Modernism’.
Above: Linen cushion in Hoof Sky Blue and below Hoof linen fabric by the yard. I love the way the design changes when viewed horizontally or vertically (at least it does to my eyes!). All the designs are hand screen-printed on to beautiful, heavy weight Belgian flax linen using water based pigments.
I’ve always thought there’s a quiet, understated yet distinctive character to Thorody’s designs, and the quality of the fabric they use is obvious, both to the eye and to the touch. So when I read their manifesto, it all fell into place – their products really do embody their values:
The Thorody manifesto:
Thorody aim to produce beautiful designs that will last way beyond any seasons or trends.
Thorody believe in using the highest quality materials.
Thorody fabric is printed with eco friendly water-based pigments on natural linen, which is stronger, softer and more environmentally friendly than other fabrics.
Thorody are committed to using traditional techniques and working in a sustainable way.
Thorody source all their materials from the UK and support traditional British manufacturing.
Local is best:
Thorody fabrics are traditionally screen-printed by hand in our or a neighbouring London studio on linen woven in Lancashire, England.
Our wallpaper is printed in Leicestershire by a factory that have been printing wallpaper for over 100 years.
All sewing production is undertaken in London.
Thorody have also collaborated with furniture desingers and makers Baines & Fricker to produce this stunning room screen in the Tile fabric design.
You can find more information about all their products at www.thorody.com, where they also have an online shop and a list of their stockists.
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