Decorex X The English Home: Design Series with V&A – A Sneak Peek

In this episode we set our sights on the revered V&A, known best as the Victoria & Albert in London – the world’s leading museum of art and design. We caught up with Lauren Sizeland, Head of Business Development and Licensing at the V&A, to talk in detail about their latest wallpaper collaborations and the artistic styles from their archives that have proved themselves consistent favourites.  

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Finish the sentence…  

The V&A is proud to uphold a sense of…craftsmanship, to provide delight through its magnificent collections to broad audiences, through exceptionally well considered and high-quality products 

One of the artists or interior brands I most admire is…Liberty for its eclectic, tactile and utterly timeless ranges – not to mention the sense of discovery and wonderment one experiences within its iconic building 

If I had to pick a favourite museum displaying stunning heritage pieces (that wasn’t the V&A), it would be…The Wallace Collection  

My idea of a perfect day out would consist of…meeting a friend for coffee and taking in an art/fashion exhibition, after a quick lunch exploring a country park or garden, finishing off with a candlelit dinner and being whisked home in an elegant limousine  

I feel most relaxed when I’m…either pottering in my garden and making a plan for the next iteration of one of the flower beds, or walking on the South Downs absorbing the magnificent views of the Weald in the north and the coast and sea to the south  

Read the full Design Series interview with Lauren Sizeland from V&A on The English Home website >> here.   

The Interview: A Sneak Peek 

It was a pleasure to reserve some time with the V&A’s Lauren Sizeland, to talk about their upcoming projects in more detail. We probed her on the collections that were archived at the museum and how these were gradually being brought into the public eye and the modern-day dwelling.  “Whilst being recognised for one of the world’s finest collections of wallpaper (dating back to the 16th century) and holding the national collection of textiles and fashion, the V&A is also committed to championing design and nurturing the next generation of artists and innovators,” Sizeland explains. 

Recognising a rising interest in historical prints and artwork, the V&A launched a William Morris-inspired collection with Blinds 2Go this March, which has proven to be immensely popular. Collaborations such as this are helping them bring the beauty and culture of the past into the residential landscape. “Inspired by the V&A’s extensive collection of wallpapers and textiles by William Morris, the new range is a contemporary adaptation of the original designs,” Sizeland says. 

Among other fascinating epochs in art history, Sizeland notes that one of the most pivotal is the Art Deco era, which is rather in vogue: “The Deco trend is a staple style, with the popularity of two block-busting exhibitions behind the V&A, the glamour of the Jazz Age, plus we’re getting closer to the style’s centenary which is bound to revive more interest.”   

V&A are one of the many inspiring exhibitors at this year’s Decorex Virtual – taking place from 17-19 November 2020. Visit the event for free to view their virtual stand and browse their marvellous collections.  “Decorex brings together the best of the design world, providing inspiration to designers and manufacturers. It also provides a forum for businesses to showcase designs in person, sharing projects and ideas and promoting discussion within the design community,” Sizeland concludes.  

Read the full Design Series interview with Lauren Sizeland, Head of Business Development and Licensing at the V&A, on The English Home website >> here.    

We hope you enjoyed reading this interview, for other great content view the below articles from Decorex: 

• Decorex X The English Home: Design Series with Pooky – A Sneak Peek 
• Must-Follow Instagram Design Accounts