Celia Birtwell

Celia Birtwell has been described as “the most important textile designer of a generation.” Her work is regarded as timeless and is immediately recognizable the world over. This visually lavish, multi-layered book delves deep into her work and eventful life with all the personal warmth and the visual intricacy of a family scrapbook. It features intimate photographs of Celia and her friends from her own photo albums, snapshots of people from her bohemian milieu during the 60s and 70s in West London, her colorful and charming drawings and fashion sketches, and a multitude of examples of her fashion and home fabrics. Peppering the text are Celia’s perceptive observations and fascinating reminiscences. An iconic figure on the global arts scene, Celia is famous for being David Hockney’s chief muse and equally famous for her dynamic collaboration with her then husband, fashion designer Ossie Clark. This book clearly explains Celia’s fluent, yet instinctive approach to design and unpicks the creative process behind her designs, from sketch to printed textile—showcasing her flair for audaciously vibrant, yet always harmonious color combinations. Concluding the book is a timeline of Celia’s life and work and a chronologically listed inventory of her prints.