Sam Wingate is a man to watch. One of the biggest names in British textile design, he set up his company, Mr Wingate, six years ago as a market stall selling printed T-shirts. In 2010, he expanded into textiles for the home.
Today, his graphic home accessories are stocked in leading department stores including Selfridges, and his online shop is thriving.
His pieces largely feature illustrations inspired by architecture. In the past, he's used the cityscapes of Abu Dhabi and Dubai (his depiction of the Burj Al Arab can be seen in DKNY's London flagship store), but the buildings of his native London really inspire him.
Wingate's work is amazingly detailed - every brick, column and tile of a building is included in his sketches. The cushions that feature London institutions such as Tower Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral are particularly impressive. I also like his colourful East End Pub Crawl range, which depicts the ornate facades of typical London pubs.
Lovers of mid-century modern furniture will be drawn to his smart monochrome Chair Stripe cushion, which features row upon row of retro designer classics from the likes of Eames and Conran. I can't help wanting to put this cushion on an Eames rocker for a quirky styling touch.
Wingate's precise illustrations and bold use of colour make him stand out in a sea of samey textile designers. His shop is just part of his business; he also creates bespoke wallpapers and prints for commercial interiors, which you can admire on his website. Most of this work consists of stylish geometric patterns inspired by tiny details he spots in buildings. It all feels refreshingly contemporary and of-the-moment.
He also specialises in low-volume hand printing, which means each product is slightly different from the next.
For shipping rates to the UAE, visit www.wingateprint.com
