Lucienne Day: Textile Printing Pioneer

With Très dion, I create patterns inspired by my travels, my childhood, and my environment. For my new Seaport pattern, the British artist and textile designer Lucienne Day was my source of inspiration. Here is an overview of the life of a woman who deserves to be known and recognized.

Lucienne Day was born during the First World War in England. Very early on, she showed an interest in textile printing, a brand new discipline that she studied at College. After being unable to pursue her passion because of the Second World War, she participated at the Festival of Britain in 1951 where she presented her abstract Calyx pattern printed on linen for interior design purposes. This pattern would soon become known worldwide and considered the contemporary reference in textile printing.

Lucienne Day's style is indeed resolutely contemporary, drawing inspiration from 20th century artists such as Paul Klee and Alexander Calder. The geometrical shapes give a feeling of lightness and fluidity. At the time, Lucienne Day's fabrics were produced in large quantities, lowering their price: the democratization of fine arts through interior design.

From interior design textiles, she turned to tapestry in the 70s and 80s with renowned clients such as Queen Elizabeth II, among others. She ended her career in the upper echelons of the industry by directing the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry, a first for a woman in this world dominated by men.

A true founder of contemporary textile design, Lucienne Day passed away in 2010. For me, this unique woman and artist will always remain a source of inspiration through her approach of the discipline and her creative spirit.