The Royal Horticultural Society has partnered with Ulster Weavers, an award-winning home textiles company, to launch a new range of kitchen textiles.
Called the Spring Floral collection, the new range offers a selection of textiles and accessories, including a luxury cotton apron, printed tea towels, quilted oven gloves and mitts, a crafted tea cosy with accompanying mug, and a selection of durable and reusable shopping and PVC bags and packable roll-up bag.
The range, which launched in mid-February, is available at a wide range of garden centres and garden shops, department stores and gift shops. It is also available online via the Ulster Weavers website and independent gift websites. The collection is expected to appeal to a wide demographic that includes discerning consumers, garden lovers and the design-aware of all ages.
The new range, which uses imagery from the RHS Lindley Collections – the world’s finest collection of botanical art – incorporates nature-inspired designs featuring bold colour palettes complemented with classic prints and muted floral fabrics.
The design is inspired in particular by the walks enjoyed by the collection’s designer Mona Sweeney during lockdown.
She said: “What really captured my attention was the beauty and vibrancy of the wildflowers I noticed while I was out walking. Here was a moment worth sharing and recreating, I thought – one that reflected the simple pleasures and slower pace of life we were adjusting to. The fields, the great blue sky above, the wonderful diversity of the fauna and flora; these formed the basis for the entire collection.”
Ulster Weavers is based in Northern Ireland with a history that can be traced back to the nineteenth century and prides itself on the production of high-quality linen and textile products sold, not only in the UK and Ireland, but throughout the world.
This is the latest collection to come from a partnership between RHS and Ulster Weavers, which has produced many popular collections combining quality, durability, functionality and timeless designs for the modern home.
Annie David, head of innovation, Ulster Weavers, said: “Using the treasure trove that is the RHS Lindley Collections we have illustrated this collection with an array of delicate flowers and colourful butterflies in a way that, we feel, captures the beauty of the everyday in the world around us. Our partnership with the RHS has once again inspired some wonderful kitchen textiles.”
Cathy Snow, licensing manager, RHS, added: “This meadow design is a beautiful reminder of the joys of slowing down and contemplating nature, with fresh, light modern colours taking us back to memories of swaying wildflowers in the sun. It’s an appealing and elegant collection that is also sturdy and practical. It will, I’m sure, be another big success for the RHS/Ulster Weavers partnership at retail.”
