Two great loves collide in this new set of table linens: the Pink City and peonies. Coral Charm peonies - the first of the season - undergo a unique colour transformation. They change from bright pink to peach to a faded lemon as they mature. For me, it is a palette reminiscent of Jaipur.
Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II commissioned for the city to be painted this colour in 1876, ahead of the arrival of Prince Albert. “The pink of oleanders and sugar-cakes” (Kipling) enraptured him.
“The pink would make Jaipur uniquely stand apart from all other Indian cities that the prince visited, burning the image of Jaipur exclusively as a place of love and wonder."
- MOZEZ SINGH IN 'JAIPUR SPLENDOR'
I drew the unfurling petals of a peony by hand. This drawing was traced then carved into teak wood by the block maker (a heritage art passed down through generations) before we perfected the shade of coral pink and the team of block printers created the linens.
As always, a huge thank you to the talented block makers and printers in Jaipur - my drawings are just the first spark of their flaming magic of creation.
The Journal
Modern Floristry Class
A different kind of floristry for a masterclass at my pop-up with Smock London.
Interview with CNN News18
An interview on block printing, craft and the meaning of 'home' with Surbhi Pathak for CNN's News18.
Pink Jaipur Blossom
Rani pink against crisp white cotton - the making of the second part of the Jaipur Blossom collection.
