Marveling at Marthe Armitage

This post is filed under the category “We’re Inspired,” but inspired doesn’t begin to describe how we feel about Marthe Armitage, a British wallpaper designer who prints her own linocut designs by hand on a small press she bought in the 1960s.

Wallpaper has been back on the design scene for years and, while we’re often enchanted by what a beautiful pattern can do for a room, we also know how dated wallpaper looked even just 15 years ago. We think Marthe’s wallpapers have an imperishable appeal because her process and designs blur the line between decorative and fine art.

Here is an excellent video that gives you a glimpse into Marthe’s approach and the humble but forceful woman she is:

Perusing her designs, which are available through Hamilton Weston, is a feast for the eyes.  Here are some of our favorites:

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Marthe also recently collaborated on a collection with Jo Malone, and we’re tempted by the scented drawer liners as much for the paper as for the luxurious fragrance.

Our favorite is the vases in blue; what’s your favorite from the wallpaper grande dame?

10 responses on “Marveling at Marthe Armitage

  1. isabel

    Too beautiful for words. i went on the website but couldn’t figure out the price for a roll of wallpaper. I’m guessing it is around $100., but was wondering if you knew. Thanks.

    1. Mera

      Aren’t they though? I don’t know the prices either, but I my recent experience scouting out wallpaper is that higher-end options run around $200/single roll, and I’m guessing that because Marthe’s are made completely by hand they are more expensive than that. Let us know if you get an actual number!

  2. Nina D

    How wonderful. The video was lovely, thanks for including it. I guess I have to pick the cobwebs as my favorite pattern, since I coexist with them on so many levels.

    Great ,inspiring post on a rainy day.

  3. Carol Bryner

    Oh, thank you, thank you! I wasn’t aware of her, and am so glad you posted this. I loved the video and her words about the value of doing things by hand. It’s hard to single out one print as a favorite, but I marveled at the one she was working on in the video with the drawbridge and boats and ducks.

  4. Tracy

    Just beautiful. I love the yellow pattern as well as a lovely green one called Flora on the website. I too couldn’t find the pricing. Think these would be perfect in a mudroom or accent wall. Don’t know if I could commit to a whole room! I was looking at removable wallpaper yesterday on centsational girl. Something to think about…

    1. Mera

      There are so many great wallpaper options out there now, and I know what you mean about it being hard to commit. But for Marthe’s papers I would commit with my whole being. 🙂

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