India Holmes, the newly appointed Creative Director at Pelican House, whose passion for textiles and design is nothing short of inspiring.
A rising star in the global textile scene, India was previously the Director of Embroidery at de Gournay, where she has worked extensively with artisans across India and China. Her deep respect for traditional techniques and dedication to elevating craftsmanship made her a natural fit for Pelican House, where she joins forces with Bella Valenzia to create unique, artful pieces that celebrate heritage while pushing creative boundaries.
Read on for India’s wonderful insights into decorating with vintage textiles, her inspirations and the artistry behind her work.
How do you go about incorporating vintage textiles into your work?
I have such a soft spot for vintage textiles that often I don't have to consciously think about incorporating them into my work or designs. They always find their own way to me! Whether they are the one thing I can't leave the flea market without, the one thing I take home with me on my travels or the hundreds of images I save on pinterest - I can't escape them (nor do I want to). Naturally they end up drawn into a rug design, converted into a lampshade or flung on the end of a bed.
How best to display vintage textiles?
The options are infinite - top of my list is framing and displaying them as artwork. Every time I see a framed textile I love it, I can't think of one I haven't loved. Following this I am partial to them being repurposed in a practical way like a curtain or headboard.
Where to start when using vintage textiles? Can they inspire a whole scheme?
They can be the starting point of a room or the finishing touch, that is the magic about them. Their delicate and timeless colour combinations lend themselves to the foundations of the beginnings of a scheme or bringing a whole room together at the end.
Why do you love working with vintage textiles?
Whenever I find a vintage textile I adore, it feels like I have stumbled across something completely new, not old. They have inspired a multitude of designs I have created and will continue to do so. Our most popular rug design, Serpent, is based on an antique Austria textile fragment.
Why would you recommend others to work with vintage textiles?
Of course the obvious reasons - their handmade nature and beautiful craftsmanship which is less available in modern day pieces. Their history, on the whole, vintage textiles are one off, only made once, so they are meaningful and you won't see a copy in anyone’s house down the road.
Lastly, why wouldn't you want to own and treasure something that is often unique to a particular culture, that has lasted generations and still is as wonderful as when it was first made. Textiles have been a faithful friend throughout the world for as long as we know, what's better than being able to look at something everyday that makes you happy.
What would your top 3 tips be for anyone looking to start using vintage textiles?
1. You can never have too many, so get started now!
2. Size doesn't matter, a vintage textile fragment is just as beautiful as a large wall hanging.
3. They don't need to match, the beauty lies in the variety.
