Chelsea Cefai went to an auction one day in 2008, and came home the owner of an entire collection of more than 200 mid-century surface designs. The artist was Sheila Bownas.
WOODROW
LLOYD
The collection is the work of English designer Sheila Bownas, hidden away for more than 40 years and only discovered after her death in 2007. The work spans three decades, from the 50s through to the 70s, with each decade’s work reflecting the zeitgeist of the time. I particularly love her uncompromisingly bold and richly coloured geometrics – how could they fail to brighten your day?
CECIL
Sheila attended both Skipton Art School and the Slade School of Art in London, before travelling to Florence in Italy for postgraduate studies in art history. But her interest was drawn to surface pattern design for textiles and wallpapers as a more comfortable alternative to selling her art, and she returned to London to complete commissions for Liberty of London, Crown Wallpapers and Marks and Spencer, among others. In later years, she returned to painting landscapes and portraits.
Sheila was prolific in her output, but kept much of it hidden away, even from her family. When she died, they discovered a virtual treasure trove of hundreds of works at her home.
ERNEST
RONNIE
ELSIE
Chelsea Cefai, understanding the significance of the collection from her previous experience working in art galleries and museums, has put in many months of hard work bringing these patterns back to life – many of which have not been in production for more than 50 years. She launched the Sheila Bownas shop online last December, producing cushions, art prints and cards, and collaborating with designer Zoe Darlington to produce bespoke lampshades. In 2015, there will be an exhibition in the Midlands where the entire collection will go on display for the very first time.
sheila bownas – cushion & art print
sheila bownas – cushions
You can find out more about Sheila Bownas and her designs, and purchase these glorious furnishings at www.sheilabownas.com.