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Design Trend: Learning About Linocut

Design Trend: Learning About Linocut

1st June 2023

Linocut, also know as lino print or linoleum printing, is a popular printmaking technique producing striking motifs and distinctive designs. Creating multiple prints of a single artistic impression, patterns are carefully cut into a linoleum surface and then printed, by hand, onto a fabric or a paper ground. A sought-after style to feature inside our homes, their colourful, two-tonal impressions and characterful imperfections makes them a popular choice for fabrics and wallpapers.

Invented by Frederick Walton in the mid-1800's, linoleum was initially intended for, and used as a floor material. However, by the 1890's, artists had started to use it as a creative medium. With many artists contributing to the rich history of linocut, one of the most influential is Pablo Picasso, who famously tried his hand at linocut printing back in in 1939. Finding it hugely stimulating and discovering it to be a cheaper and less time intensive print method, he immersed himself in the technique for over 10 years, producing over 2,000 linocuts which are said to be some of the most luminous and joyful pieces.

Fast forward to modern day, and lithium printing is still a very popular style within the artwork and design scene. With artists like Fiona Howard honouring the rich tradition of this print method in her stunning hand-cut wallpaper designs, to global interior brands who are producing linocut inspired digital prints that aim to capture the character of this enchanting look, we delve a little deeper to discover how they are created and celebrate our favourite linocut inspired designs...

The Art of Lino Printing

Linocut is a type of relief print in which the artist carves an image into a block of linoleum with a sharp knife, V-shaped chisel or gouge. Leaving the raised, uncarved areas to form a mirror image of the pattern to be printed, ink is then rolled onto the uncut surface using a brayer, and fabric or paper is laid on top.

After pressure is applied to impress the print, the block is carefully removed to reveal the design. With each layer of colour requiring a separate sheet to be cut, the process is repeated for multicoloured designs.

Since the linoleum has no directional grain and is generally much easier to cut than wood, certain artistic effects are achievable with lino which gives it its unique impression. The pressure of the printing process can sometimes result in slight imperfections which also add to the character and authenticity of linocut designs.

"My favourite gouge tools have the familiarity of friends. They feel comfortable in my hand, from years of use and almost know which marks I need to make."

Fiona Howard

Fiona Howard

Fiona Howard is a British designer who creates beautiful linocut designs inspired by her observations of plants and seeds, florals and botanicals. Featuring colours that are meticulous paired to create bright and joyful patterns, these designs make showstopping feature walls and suit a variety of interior styles.

Beginning as a pencil sketch, Fiona manipulates elements to ensure the design flows gracefully and seamlessly across the walls. Once the motif is complete, it is carefully traced onto lino and printed, before being cut together to form the repeat, and the finished pattern. A spectacular celebration of this traditional printing technique, the authenticity of Fiona's hand drawn sketches and her dedication to her craftsmanship are lovingly embedded in each and every design, giving them an uniqueness that just can't be recreated.

Shop Fiona Howard

The Allotment Fabric by Sanderson

This delightful fabric truly encompasses the hand-made spirit of a linocut design, which comes alive in this two-tone fennel green and crisp white colourway. Available as a matching wallpaper which also come in a soft grey and a neutral brown, this charming print was designed by Fiona Howard as a commission for Sanderson. We think this would look wonderful as full length curtains and complementary cushions in a country cottage or modern country home.

Shop Sanderson

Gable Wallpaper by Farrow & Ball

Depicting village and farmyard scenes inspired by the characteristics of lino prints, this two-tone wallpaper is utterly charming. Its large-scale statement design dances across the walls, and looks fabulous when hung on all four walls of your room. Available in 8 colourways that range from light green, to black and gold, this dual blue colourway is our absolute favourite, so much so that we have it dancing across the walls of the F&P Interiors office.

Shop Farrow & Ball

Morris & Co.

Celebrated for his outstanding woodblock designs, William Morris briefly dabbled in the art of linoleum cutting, producing very few prints. His most famous resembling Marigold; an arched trellis featuring the stunning relief of a marigold flower in bloom, these intricate, highly decorative motifs suit traditional interiors and country homes. With Morris & Co. artists recreating his original archive documents into lino print blocks, new fabrics and wallpapers continue to be developed to suit modern-day homes. Emulating the two-tone characteristics of a hand printed linocut, these remarkable designs offer timeless patterns that remain as current today as they ever have been.

Shop Morris & Co.

Lewis & Wood

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Shop Lewis & Wood

GP & J Baker

Shop GP & J Baker

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Thank you to Fiona Howard for the linocut imagery used in this feature. Further references include Picasso and the Linocut; christies.com and Marigold Corticine Floor Cloth; wmgallery.org.uk