Laura Ashley is hosting a free screen-printing session as part of the brand’s anniversary celebrations. The weekend pop-up will offer people the chance to get crafting and create their create their own Laura Ashely original tote bag.
The brand has invited Hackney Textile Designer, Helen Rawlinson, to host the workshop that will see guests personalise their design with a classic Laura Ashley print and strapline. From ‘The Future is Floral’ to ‘Hard Core Cottage Core’, each phrase will speak to the brand’s iconic identity as it marks 70-years pioneering floral prints.
One of the key prints to be used during the workshop is the Gosford, a signature Laura Ashley print featuring gorgeous bold parrot tulips. It was originally inspired by a magnificent antique painted artwork in the Laura Ashley archive, a treasure trove that continues to inspire contemporary designs.
The tote bags will be made up of deadstock fabric leftover from previous projects, including leftover fabric from the brand’s Cheslea Flower Show stand.
As well as the tote bags, the brand will also curate 70 unique artworks to commemorate 70 years. The posters will be made from wallpaper designs from the past seven decades, alongside a unique brand strapline. The limited-edition artworks will be on sale at a later date.
Helen Ashmore, Head of Design at Laura Ashley, says: “Screen printing is at the heart of the Laura Ashley brand, with Ashley founding the business through screen printing textiles from her kitchen table back in 1953.
“We’re thrilled to mark the brand’s 70th anniversary with a nod to how the business began and give people the opportunity to use our iconic prints to try this craft for themselves.”
And for those unable to make the screen-printing event in London, Laura Ashley is opening retail pop-ups across the UK so brand fans can shop the prints in Next stores in Sheffield, Glasgow, Leicester, Shoreham, Warrington and Westfield Shepherd’s Bush.
