last week i was invited along to the papered parlour in clapham by laura ashley, to help celebrate their 60th anniversary by screenprinting à la laura ashley herself back-in-the-day!

as part of their 60th birthday celebrations laura ashley have launched the heritage collection, showcasing five of their most iconic archival prints through wallpaper and fabrics, all of which have been lovingly crafted in the uk. while most would associate laura ashley with pretty floral prints i found myself instantly drawn to the geometric squares pelham print, which was actually one of the earliest prints crafted by mrs ashley on her own pimlico kitchen table back in 1954! doesn’t it still look fresh and contemporary today, especially as a wallpaper print in duck egg, or a monochrome pure silk scarf?

i decided to try my hand at screenprinting a tote bag with this heritage print in a stylish navy colourway, and must say i was very proud of the outcome given this was only my second ever attempt at screen printing (you can read about my previous escapades here). my good friend mr. bazaar opted for the retro graphic triangles print in vibrant green, whilst lovely lauren from aspiring kennedy chose the mid-19th century inspired mr. jones in the same shade – both wonderfully inspired choices which i’m sure now take pride-of-place hanging in their homes!

which archive design would you like to try your hand at screen printing?

(with thanks to laura ashley for the fabulous event photographs!)