About

Luke Irwin will be hosting Speronella at his showroom on the Pimlico Road, with furniture by Guy Tobin, from 11 May through to September. The designers will explore the theme of the past and present in design, which will be reflected in the design scheme of the showroom, and discussed in a talk moderated by Hatta Byng on 13 May.

Speronella Marsh hand-block prints onto antique linens because of her love for the feel of them. Over the years, she has built up an extensive collection – “no two are the same, each one has its own story to tell,” says Speronella. Unlike newer fabrics, they have a weight to them, and the ink and richness of their fabric work together, resulting in high-quality one-off pieces. Raised in Rome, Speronella was influenced by the washed-out hues of buildings untouched for centuries. “I love that imperfection,” she explains — a sentiment that runs through her work. To mark the collaboration, she has printed a curated selection of her designs onto antique linens and hemp sheets, each rich with history. Her pieces honour the past while introducing a distinctly modern sensibility.

Luke Irwin specialises in the design and manufacture of hand-knotted custom-made rugs. For Luke, history has always been key to his life and work. “I like living where other people have lived before, with the textures of what came before.” Luke’s designs draw inspiration from his interest in old tales, historical motifs, art and nature and, as such, his rugs are not only a beautiful foundation for any room, but a talking point with a fascinating story. Employing ancient weaving techniques and using high-quality materials, such as wool, silk, cashmere, mohair and cotton, Luke’s rugs incorporate traditional methods and craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic.

The showroom will also be curated with furniture and objects by antique dealer and interiors consultant Guy Tobin. In accordance with the theme of past and present, Guy selects his furniture due to their quality, craftsmanship and history.