NEW AND NOW: Blackpop's Winning Designs at Decorex

Velvet cushions and fabrics, and wallpaper, have been designed in a collaboration between Blackpop and the National Portrait Gallery London.

Velvet cushions and fabrics have been designed in a collaboration between Blackpop and the National Portrait Gallery London

One of the most exciting finds at Decorex 2015 was the new "The Tudors-Deconstructed" range of fabrics, wallpapers and selected pieces of vintage furniture by Blackpop.

The range is based on an abstraction of 16th century Tudor portraits in the collection of London's National Portrait Gallery.  Maxine Hall, Designer and Director at Blackpop, was given special access to examine the  portraits with imaging techniques such as photo microscopy, x-radiograpy and infrared reflectography in connection with the Gallery's special research project on their Tudor art.

Blackpop's "The Tudors- Deconstructed" collection is the result and Maxine's 'Elizabeth' design in the range  took "Best New Product"at Decorex 2015.

Have a look at the collection, which is available at Liberty of London and will soon be available in the US through Christina Karras in Los Angeles and Grace & Favor in New York.

Blackpop at the National Portrait Gallery with their "Elizabeth" velvet fabric

Blackpop's "Elizabeth wallpaper.

“Inlaid Mahogany Edwardian VII Salon Sofa upholstered in 'Mary' velvet by Blackpop

A closer look at Blackpop's "Mary" fabric from their "The Tudors-Deconstructed"

"Henry" wallpaper by Blackpop

1970's swivel-tilt chair upholstered in 'Henry " from Blackpop's "The Tudors- Deconstructed" collection

According to Maxine: "Working with the team at the National Portrait Gallery and these amazing paintings has been a complete privilege.  Being able to examine and reimagine over 20 works to create abstract, contemporary patterns has been a creative's dream.  The richness and depth of the colour palette alone gives these new designs an edge and a stand out wow factor..."

The entire process sounds fascinating.  Blackpop was especially inspired by these paintings of Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I  in the National  Portrait Gallery's collection and some of the microscopic images taken from them:

These paintings of Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I in the collection of London's National Portrait Gallery are the primary inspiration for Blackpop't "The Tudors-Deconstructed" collection of fabric and wallpaper.

A selection of microscopic details from 16th century Tudor paintings that inspired Blackpop's "The Tudors-Deconstructed" collection.

I can't get this intriguing imagery out of my mind.  When I discovered another Tudor portrait at Lorford Antiques from the same period the following day in the Cotswolds, I wanted to rush it to Maxine so I could see what she would come up with.

A 16th century portrait and details, that I spotted at Lorford Antiques in the Cotswolds.

Amazing.  Merry old England, indeed.

Photo credits: Tudor portraits and microscopic detail images from the National Portrait Gallery London.  First image and image of portrait at Lorfords by Lynn Byrne.  All other images courtesy of Blackpop.