Molly Barber is a young and very lovely surface designer from London. When I first asked her if I could do a feature and sent her some questions, she responded that she was really snowed under with work, but she promised to send me something anyway.

But firstly, here is some of her work. It is very diverse; she is inspired by so many things. I would love to see where she’s headed in a few years! This is what she says of her current collections –

‘Isha tiles’ are a collection of designs based on Middle Eastern ceramics. The clean lines and strong shapes are typical of Islamic tiles that were often used in Middle Eastern architecture. 

 

 

 

‘Cytology’ is my latest collection, for SS 12. Influenced by Microbiology, these prints are a study of the structure and appearance of cells in the body and the patterns and marks that they create. Strong geometric shapes are infused with softer whimsical dots and plaids. The colour palette is neutral with splurges of punchy brights that make the designs pop making them perfect for Summer.

 

 

‘Genesis’ is a romantic and soft collection, focusing on magical moments and fantasies you dream up as a child, from pixies in the garden to picking fresh flowers in a meadow. The 50s inspired conversation pieces of stacked up gnomes and garden scenes are perfect for a ladies summer dress or would equally suit a children’s wear collection.

 

 

I was quite taken with Molly’s story, so I’ll let her tell it –

I have been surrounded by pattern and colour from a very young age. My mother, Rosemary Barber is a textile designer and has worked for Sanderson’s, Liberty of London and Collier Campbell. And with the late Susan Collier being my godmother even if I wanted to escape this creative upbringing it would have been a struggle.

Some of my earliest memories are of going to work with my mum at her studio, where I could watch her paint and even help mix some paints if I was lucky! My family home always had an eclectic feel; every possible surface was covered in print, be it ditsy floral curtains, vintage Persian rugs, a vast collection of china dotted around, or a bold and bright geometric print sofa – each room was a treasure trove of inspiration and beauty.

One of the highlights of my career so far would have to be getting the chance to work in the Liberty of London design studios. Apart from being renowned globally for its fantastic prints and as a great emporium for innovative and eclectic design, it was where my mother started her career as a textile designer in the late 70s. Seeing her designs in the Liberty archive reminds me of how far she has come in her career and what I want to achieve in my own.

I graduated in 2009 from the University of the Creative Arts with a 2:1 in Fashion Imaging and have since had experience in many London design studios. I have been freelancing for a few years now!

I normally paint my designs in gouache paint and I prefer to do my colourways by hand as I enjoy mixing to the exact shade that I want. I later manipulate the design on the computer, creating repeats and playing around with scale. I don’t always look to trends when I am designing; I prefer to be naturally inspired by what is around me, excites me and gets me thinking at the time when I’m brainstorming a collection.  Depending what mood I’m in can effect my style. A hazy summer day may well lend me to paint pretty florals as opposed to strong bold geometrics if I’m feeling passionate and alive!

I enjoy nothing better than sitting in my home studio and to paint. When working I surround myself with things I love and that inspire me, I have a pin board wall that is covered in everything from pressed flowers to colour stories and magazine pull outs. I’m lucky enough to live in London and to still have a beautiful garden to daydream in so working from home really is a luxury!

 

I am still amazed at the talent and energy some people have. Molly’s background is a bonus! I would like to wish her all the very best for the future, and I would also like to thank her for generously sharing her words and images.

You can find Molly’s website here.