Lucienne and Robin were married but didn't collaborate professionally as such, they both stuck to their own fields yet their own designs worked so well together. Back in the 1950’s, the Days’ aim was to produce quality, mass-produced low cost furniture and textiles. Functionality, ease of manufacturing and low cost production was very important to them both.
They both rose to prominence during the 1951 Festival of Britain, which provided an ideal showcase for their talents. Lucienne’s abstract-patterned textiles and wallpapers were displayed alongside Robin’s steel and plywood furniture in the Homes and Gardens Pavilion.
The Englishman's Home' mural by John Piper, on the southern facade of the Homes and Gardens Pavilion at the South Bank Exhibition
In 1951 Day was awarded a Gold Medal at the Milan Triennale for his design of his 'Homes and Gardens' pavilion at the Festival of Britain.
Robin Day chairs from Thirteen Interiors
It was for the Homes and Gardens display that Lucienne designed her renowned fabric Calyx - an abstract print inspired by nature and plants.
Calyx was widely praised, so much so that after Lucienne had persuaded Heals to manufacture the initial design, the company embraced her style and championed Lucienne’s work. Over the next 20 years or so she produced over 50 outstanding patterns for Heal’s, all remarkable for their inventiveness and now very sought after.
While hunting for vintage fabrics in Alfies you never know you might come across one of Lucienne's designs.
Calyx was widely praised, so much so that after Lucienne had persuaded Heals to manufacture the initial design, the company embraced her style and championed Lucienne’s work. Over the next 20 years or so she produced over 50 outstanding patterns for Heal’s, all remarkable for their inventiveness and now very sought after.
While hunting for vintage fabrics in Alfies you never know you might come across one of Lucienne's designs.
