The ‘Kaffe Fassett : The Power of Pattern’ exhibition is a kaleidoscope of colour and decoration. This weekend is the last chance to see a brilliant selection of Kaffe Fassett’s influential textile art.
Kaffee Fassett is a well-known designer and expert in the field of textiles and craft. “The Power of Pattern” is a wonderful visual riot of rainbow hues professionally fashioned into detailed artworks.
This month the Fashion and Textile Museum near London Bridge station at 83 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF delighted visitors with a special show. Featuring work by Fassett over several decades the patterns are inspired by life in California and England and also his international travels with his collaborative art partners that include Philip Jacobs and Brandon Moby.
An introduction area showcases a video about the artists life and work set within a deep red signature floral fabric lined room, complete with matching bright upholstered seating. The spacious gallery is arranged on two floors and is accessible to all.
The first gallery rooms display Fassett’s range of glowing printed materials, which have been carefully selected, stitched and woven into supersized bold wall hangings by textile artists that include Liza Prior Lucy, Karen K. Stone, Kitty Sorgen, Sophie Standing, Clarissa Searcey, Kim McLean and Danny Amazonas.
Five decades of knitting, needlepoint, mosaic, quilting, textile design, painting and drawing have been an inspiration to creative people all over the world. “Fassett’s books and projects have encouraged millions to make and create.” (1)
Fassett’s designs are influenced by a diverse selection of sources including pottery, mosaic glass and even beach styles encountered on his many travels abroad. This is a well thought out and curated event and even the floors have been custom printed to form a huge patchwork made of original organic themed tiles in fabulous primary hues.
The combination of colour and fine pattern is slightly intoxicating and guaranteed to lift the spirits and blow away any snowy spring weather blues. The variety of interpretations of what can be made with Fassett fabrics is surprising and we also enjoyed both the soft furnishings and clothing garments, especially the long robes.
Kaffe Fassett : The Power of Pattern is open until the 12th of March 2023 and full price entry is around £12. The Fashion and Textile Museum is owned and lead by well-known British designer Zandra Rhodes.
(1) Kaffe Fassett : The Power of Pattern Exhibition leaflet, Fashion and Textiles Museum, London Fashion and Textiles Museum, London
(2) Kaffe Fasset website Kaffe Fasset website