We at Heal’s have always said that upholstery is an art in itself and it seems the folks over at PINCH design would agree. Launching as part of our Spring / Summer 17 collections, for the first time their Pendel two seater sofa is available in exclusive ‘Nympheus’ fabric from GP & J Baker, first designed by legendary British artist William Turner over a century ago.
An enduring GP & J Baker classic, the ‘Nympheus’ fabric was created exclusively for the textile house by the William Turner in 1915. Born 1775, Joseph Mallord William Turner is one of Britain’s most renowned painters and is known for his distinctive Romanticist landscape style, which in its day was controversial giving him the name the “painter of light.” To support his career as an artist, Turner took on a number of private and commercial commissions produced designs not only for GP & J Baker but also wallpaper and fabrics for rival firm Sanderson (whose upholstery is also available as part of Heal’s Sofas collections).
Founded by George Percival Baker in the 19th century, GP & J Baker is celebrated for its work with a number of contemporary Arts & Crafts designers in early 1900s. Baker himself was a keen horticulturist and a much-loved figure in the Royal Horticultural Society, so it’s no surprise that a number of the prints for which the textile maker would become famous were botanical in nature, commonly depicting English garden flowers.
A Ming dynasty (15th-16th century) painting on a silk panel in the British Museum was the inspiration for Turner’s ‘Nympheus’ design of drooping lotus leaves and birds contrasting the patient stillness of the egret with the quick decisive movements of the kingfisher. Large scale bird and flower paintings were used to decorate interiors since at least the Song dynasty (AD 960-1279). The most refined style is associated with the Court of the Huizong emperor of the late Northern Song dynasty and the refined brushwork and subtle colouring set a model for later dynasties.
The compact yet comfortable Pendel is the perfect sofa for a formal setting or simply curling up in. The elegant line of the high backrest and curved arms is characteristic of Pinch design. Handcrafted from solid beech, a luxurious timber that is not commonly found in modern-day sofas, the frame is filled with a pocket sprung base as well as foam and wadding cushioning.
Made in Britain, the Pendel two seater sofa is also available as an armchair (see below), with each piece skilfully upholstered in a selection of Heal’s or designer fabrics and in a choice of solid oak or walnut feet.
Discover the Pendel range and more pieces from the PINCH collection online or in store.
