New to BCTF for 2019 is Sharon Berle, the designer-maker behind Rosella & Lime, who will present her unique collection of lampshades and cushions at the show from April 7-9 at The Yorkshire Event Centre.
Sharon creates original, digitally printed patterns that are tailored to fit the final product. This allows for a high degree of creative flexibility. Her distinctive use of colour, layers and light exploit this design process as seen in her collections of trailing ferns, layered native grasses and geometric patterns on the inner side of lampshades.
Commenting on her first time at BCTF, Sharon says: “As a first time exhibitor, I hope they will enjoy meeting me and seeing what Rosella & Lime is all about. They can also look forward to a new botanically themed mini-collection. I’m hoping to expand and explore growth opportunities with trade customers at the show.”
I design all my fabric prints myself. These are based on hand sketches, photographs and digital illustrations. They are then digitally printed to fit specific sizes and shapes of lampshades, and appear on the outside, or sometimes the inside of the handmade shades, and also on cushion covers.
Digital printing allows for the use of a large number of colours which I can use to create a layered affect, a look that is a common theme across my work. I use a similar technique to create greeting cards and then develop the motifs into repeat prints for the wrapping papers”.
Sharon is inspired by colour, nature and mid-century design, saying: “Yes, I know it’s a slightly unusual combination! But I think if your passionate about certain subjects, (even very diverse ones) you can find a way to bring them together that works.
The hallmarks of great British design she thinks are: “Quality. History. Quirkiness. I started my working life as a fashion designer in Australia, and British design to me has always been about a fabulous juxtaposition – Saville Row v Vivanne Westwood; Queen Victoria v Alexander McQueen. A reverence for history and an equal disregard for it. And always top quality workmanship”.
Sign-up to attend BCTF2019 by following this link (trade only)
