Decoration at Holmwood House

Great Western Road Terrace

Patterns

Brief

Design a cushion cover based on Alexander Thomson’s decorative work. You may use repeat or random patterns or a single image developed from your initial drawings. The design should echo Thomson’s use of symbols, pattern and colour and should be suitable for use in the interior of one of his buildings.

Stage one – investigation

Materials: a variety of pencils, dip pens, charcoal, brushes and Indian ink, white cartridge paper and a camera.

Visit one of Thomson’s buildings. Build up a study of annotated sketches, detailed drawings and if possible, take photographs on site. Concentrate on engraved pattern, motif, stencilling, decorative ironwork, colour and architectural detail.

The investigation can be extended by exploring techniques such as painting, stencilling, stone, wood and marble incision, plasterwork, and carving. Paper stencilling will give you a practical insight into the techniques used by Thomson.

To extend this investigation into critical activity, write about Thomson’s decorative style and about the effect his interior and exterior decoration had on his buildings.

Stage two – consideration of possibilities

Develop at least three pattern ideas from stage one drawings. Experiment with repeat or random pattern formations. Define the size of your cushion cover. Consider how your patterns might be adapted to fit your cover size. You might:

Transfer your sketches onto polystyrene tiles or lino and make experimental prints.

Photocopy sections of the initial drawings, enlarge and reduce images and rearrange them to fit the cushion cover.

Consider the various ways pattern can be created. For example, half drop repeat, random or repeating round an axis. Will the cushion have a border? Research the contemporary soft furnishings market. Source information from leaflets, magazines and mail order catalogues.

Stage three – development

Make colour studies for your design using watercolour or coloured pencils. Bear in mind Thomson’s colours: rich terracottas, blues, buttermilk and gold.

Stage four – final outcome

Select your favourite design and print your cover using one of the following methods.

Fabric painting. You could transfer your design onto fabric using tracing or carbon paper. Line drawings, as opposed to lino or polystyrene prints, are the best option with this method. Paint the fabric using the researched colours. Alternatively paint the image directly onto the fabric.

Silk painting. A photocopy of the design can be placed behind silk which is stretched over a frame. Trace the image using a gutta pen and nib. Paint using silk dyes.

Screenprinting. If light-sensitive screenprinting is available, good results can be achieved with a one-colour print onto appropriately coloured material. Photocopied pencil, pen, brushstroke or charcoal drawings can be used as artwork. Polystyrene or lino prints which have been printed using black ink can also be used. If light-sensitive screenprinting is not available, screenprinting can be done with a newsprint template but designs will have to be more simple. Trace your design onto newsprint and cut out areas to be printed.

Cushions can be assembled without zips or ties if the back is made with an overlapping fold like a pillow slip. Tassels, fringing or other details can be added.

Stage five – evaluation

Once your cushion is complete assess the design. What works well? Why? How could the design be improved? Do you think Alexander Thomson would have liked your design? Why?