F&P 25 Years: Christopher Farr And The Art of Collaboration

I joined Christopher Farr as an intern straight after graduating from Central Saint Martins 11 years ago. I came from a weaving background and had always admired the brand’s ability to merge contemporary design with traditional techniques. After my internship, I was lucky enough to stay on as a design assistant – back when there were only three of us on the team. I was answering phone calls, processing orders and learning everything I could about the business. Over time, I worked my way up to design director, which has been an incredibly rewarding journey.

Every design represents a different creative journey, so it’s hard to single out one favourite. But the Sandra Blow collection will always hold a special place for me. It was the first collection I led from start to finish. I visited Sandra’s niece and nephew, searched through hundreds of this British abstract artist’s Polaroids showing her creative process, and even stood in front of her original 3m-wide canvases made from torn fabric. The colour compositions were extraordinary. It was also technically groundbreaking for us, as we used new digital technology to print a matte white ink onto a textured raffia ground, allowing us to stay true to the original quality of her canvases. 

In terms of favourite fabrics, I am making some bench seating for my house in our Lapaz Nero fabric. It ties in nicely with the Tuscan red and soft sage colours I have in my kitchen. Next on my list, I would love to make curtains from our Mille Feuilles design by Raoul Dufy.  

Without question, collaborations are the most enjoyable part of my job. Every project brings together such a range of creative minds – artists, craftspeople, printers and designers – and that constant exchange of ideas is what keeps me inspired. I love the process of bringing an artist’s vision to life, turning it into something tactile and timeless, and watching designers weave those creations into spaces that become part of people’s everyday lives.

It's the variety that makes this job so exciting, but one particularly proud moment was winning Best Wallpaper Design at the Homes & Gardens Awards for our Monsoon mural. I had painted it in the studio, inspired by the women in India who decorate the walls of their mud huts with intricate charcoal murals – only for the monsoon rains to wash them away each year and for them to begin again. That sense of impermanence and renewal felt so meaningful. To see that design recognised was incredibly special.

The New Indigo/Carmen sample was screen printed by hand using the oldest traditional method, which requires two people, with Podge showing me how to do it. Ivo owner Michael had already explained that when screen printing, it was important to keep the flow of movement going, that it is like a dance down the table, not just a matter of pulling some paint across a screen. It is hard work to keep the right pressure all the way across the screen and stretching far enough to hand over to Podge without going crooked. Apparently, I was a natural. I can’t imagine doing 50 metres this way – which is why they use a Gali. 

After several rounds of testing, refining and colour adjustments, the final designs Richmond in Rose and Indigo/Carmen perfectly capture the essence of F&P Interiors’ aesthetic: timeless, versatile and beautifully balanced between classic and contemporary. The journey to bring these exclusive anniversary colourways to life has been a true celebration of craftsmanship, heritage and collaboration.

From exploring Michael Szell’s archives and revisiting his iconic designs to working closely with Christopher Farr Cloth’s talented team and the skilled artisans at Ivo Textiles, every stage reflected the passion and artistry that define both brands. This joint anniversary collection not only honours 25 years of shared creativity and partnership, but also celebrates the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship in modern design. We’re thrilled to introduce these exclusive fabrics to our clients, a fitting tribute to a milestone year and a lasting symbol of everything we stand for: quality, artistry and individuality.

 F&P Interiors is passionate about inspiring customers to create timeless, beautiful spaces to cherish. We bring artistry to every detail with a carefully curated selection of designer fabrics, wallpapers and furnishings from exceptionally crafted sofas to bespoke curtains and cushions.

 Championing more than 120 independent brands, we make luxury interiors accessible and uniquely yours. Our expert, friendly team delivers outstanding service to make every project –  big or small – a seamless experience.