We spoke to renowned decorative artist, Natasha Mann who has been chosen as this year’s creative collaboration for the Decorex branding.
Natasha Mann
Natasha's designs are the focal point of the 2025 creative and will be featured in the pre-show marketing across the Decorex, website, social media, emails and print ads and across the show floor.
How did you discover your artistic passion and talent?
From a young age, I was always drawn to decorative art and pattern with a particular fascination for Moroccan and Andalusian design. When I was 21 I moved to Morocco and spent a year doing an apprenticeship in Moroccan decorative painting on wood which really deepened my interest in decorative painting and ornate interiors.
What was your career journey?
As a teenager, I developed a strong interest in Moroccan design, which led me to pursue a degree in Arabic at university. Following this, I moved to Morocco to complete an apprenticeship in traditional decorative painting on wood.
After moving back to London I studied for an MA at the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in Shoreditch which really transformed my painting journey. During the two-year course, I studied geometric design in depth and learned traditional painting techniques using natural pigments and egg tempera. This training profoundly shaped my artistic practice, instilling in me a deep appreciation for natural materials and the discipline of preparing my own pigments—now an essential and integral part of my work.
I now work with clients on interior projects; painting panels for ceilings or walls as well as furniture and smaller pieces such as boxes. In recent years I have particularly focused on lampshades, creating a collection for Vaughan as well as individual shades for clients and designers.
I also really enjoy teaching and have taught many courses abroad and in the UK.
Your journey with Decorex began as part of Making Spaces, please tell us how why you took part and how it has benefitted you since?
I applied for Decorex Making Spaces having found out about the opportunity through my QEST scholarship. I had visited Decorex for many years and as much of my work is with interiors I had wanted to exhibit there for a while. Having a stand as part of Making Spaces was hugely beneficial as I met many interesting people and had several commissions as a direct result of exhibiting.
Natasha Mann Projects
Please tell us about your design concept for the 2025 Decorex show creative?
I wanted to create a geometric pattern using Victorian influences, to celebrate the origin of the building. The concentric circles and flowers in my design echo the shapes in the facade of Olympia and along the balconies. My final design is hand-drawn using a compass and ruler and then painted using natural earth pigments mixed with egg tempera and 24ct gold leaf.
What was your design inspiration/influences?
I spent time researching Victorian architecture and decorative arts to inform and inspire my design. Aside from observing the architecture of the Olympia building, one particularly valuable source was The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones, a comprehensive catalogue of ornamental design. His book encouraged me to draw from historical references whilst creating a design that feels modern and relevant today.
Can you talk us through the process of creating a new design?
It depends what design I am working on but normally I begin by looking through books with images for inspiration - this could be textiles or architectural examples. I have an extensive collection of books on textiles, architecture and decorative arts from around the world, as well as photos, which I refer to frequently for all my projects. I then start sketching ideas or if it’s a geometric pattern I will work on some designs using my compass and ruler. Once I’m happy with the design I begin by working on the colour using my collection of pigments. I normally make small swatches with examples of different colour combinations before deciding on the final piece.
What does collaborating with Decorex mean to you?
It was a complete surprise and a huge honour to be asked to create a design for Decorex, as I’ve been visiting the show for years. I am really looking forward to seeing thedesigns in person in October.
What are you excited about for Decorex this year?
I’m really looking forward to exhibiting again and to have the opportunity to meet new designers and makers.
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