Laura Ashley unveiled a ‘mini exhibition’ as part of the brand’s anniversary celebrations. The exhibition showcased a selection of iconic prints and products from its 70-year history.
The pioneers of floral print took over Upper St Martin’s Lane in London where consumers had a sneak-peak into the brand’s iconic archive, a treasure trove that is usually closed to the public. The archive is used continuously in new product development, calling upon past designs to inspire future collections.
The brand transformed an iconic British phone box with a classic Laura Ashley pattern, wrapping it head to toe in the 90s Tulips print, a design which sparks joy and plays into nostalgia. This print has relaunched for the 70th anniversary and is available across wallpaper bedlinen, curtains, fabric and more.
The free ‘mini exhibition’ showcased products from the brand’s 70-year history across four themed shelves:
1. Tulips Print: Bringing to life the central print in the mini exhibition, the Tulip shelf will showcase a variety of items dedicated to the beautiful flower, and the three colourways of the design; plaster pink, chambray, and taupe
2. Fashion: Get an exclusive look at how Laura Ashley influenced women’s fashion with a shelf dedicated to the fabrics and patterns that went into creating some of the most iconic womenswear in history
3. Photography: Visually bringing to life the history of Laura Ashley through books, magazines, fabrics, and images on crockery – the photography shelf gives you a deeper look at the brand and the woman herself
4. Kitchen and dining: The evolution of home kitchen décor will be showcased in classic tablecloths from the 50’s, through to the timeless ceramic tea sets from the 60’s and 70’s. Many of these iconic designs are still found in British homes, and they continue to inspire interior trends in 2023
Helen Ashmore, Head of Design at Laura Ashley, says: “The ‘mini exhibition’ spotlighted the iconic designs that transformed interiors and wardrobes from the textiles that boldly paved a way for print to the ceramics that became staples in British homes.”
“The original archive is packed with 100,000 pieces of unique artwork, textiles and treasures, preserved in a Cheshire salt mine so it has been wonderful to curate a mini exhibition so people can view a small piece of the Laura Ashley story.”
