THE LUCINDA OAKES SELLING EXHIBTION
Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler – Pimlico Road
Photo by Katya de Grunwald
This October, in Sibyl Colefax & John Fowlers 90th anniversary year, we will be holding a selling exhibition of the works of decorative artist Lucinda Oakes, daughter of Colefax Director, George Oakes. The sale includes original watercolours, grisaille and tromp I’oeil decorative panels and floral plinths, displayed within the showroom and in a window by Chairman Wendy Nicholls.
“My biggest influences are my father, with whom I painted often, and John Fowler,” explains Lucinda, whose career took off when asked to help paint a mural in the South of France. “I began painting in the mid 1990s, when the art form was in demise. Fortunately, the decorators at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler never wavered in their passion for murals, wall painting and panels in the classical style. The firm has been such an integral part of our family history. I continue to work with them today on private commissions, so it is the greatest honour to showcase my work as part of the 90th anniversary celebrations.”
A hugely talented artist, George Oakes spent 30 years at the firm, during which time he painted alongside John Fowler, whilst also overseeing the entire studio output. “Decoration is adornment of an item, a building or a room – while design is the production of drawings following a concept, to enable something to be made. George was responsible for all our designs, including painted furniture, fabrics and wallpaper”, explains Nicholls. In 1973, the first off-the shelf Colefax and Fowler fabrics launched. George’s first collections included the renowned Bowood and Fuchsia chintzes, which have remained in production ever since.
The selling exhibition will be on display at the Pimlico Road showroom
7th October to 26th October
Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday 10.00am – 3.30pm
