Sandra's Designing Blog

My visit to Historic Bath

Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 16th Jul 2024

Historic Bath, WoW!

Even though I've visited Bath a few times I always find something new to be amazed by. This time the visit encompassed a family wedding held inside the Roman Baths and a visit to Victoria Art Gallery to see Toulouse Lautrec's work.

See the top TEN things to do in Bath

The visit also let us experiment with photographing the new Verdancy Wrap in the historic setting.

Outside the Abbey Gates

Inside the Roman Baths

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a prominent figure in the Post-Impressionist movement, is celebrated for his vibrant use of color and innovative techniques that captured the lively spirit of Parisian nightlife in the late 19th century. His works often depicted scenes from cabarets, theaters, and dance halls, filled with dynamic compositions and bold colors. Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery in lithography and poster art made his works stand out, showcasing his unique ability to combine bright, contrasting hues with expressive lines to create compelling visual narratives.

His work is one of a few 19th century artists that I have admired and drawn inspiration from. I had 6 reproductions of his work framed and on my living room walls when I was in my 20's. Walking into the Victoria Gallery made me smile so much. I had forgotten the feeling his art gave me.

Influence on Knitting Designers

Several contemporary knitting designers draw inspiration from Toulouse-Lautrec’s vivid palette and inventive methods, incorporating his artistic essence into their creations. Here are a few notable designers:

1. Stephen West

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Design Example: "Exploration Station Shawl"

Stephen West is known for his bold use of color and innovative patterns. The "Exploration Station Shawl" features a dynamic interplay of bright colors and geometric shapes, reminiscent of Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters. The vibrant color blocks and varied textures echo Lautrec’s love for bold contrasts and lively compositions, creating a visually striking piece that commands attention.

2 Kaffe Fassett

Location: London, England
Design Example: "Big Flower Jacket"

The "Big Flower Jacket" by Kaffe Fassett exemplifies his use of vivid colors and bold patterns. This design features large, vibrant floral motifs set against a contrasting background, inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec’s dynamic use of bright hues and contrasting tones. The intricate colorwork and dramatic visual impact reflect Lautrec's artistic techniques, making the jacket a striking and lively piece that captures the eye.

3. Andrea Mowry

Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Design Example: "Find Your Fade Shawl":

Andrea Mowry’s "Find Your Fade Shawl" showcases a beautiful gradient of colors, smoothly transitioning from one shade to another. This technique draws inspiration from Toulouse-Lautrec’s ability to blend colors seamlessly while maintaining a vibrant and engaging visual impact. The shawl’s fluid color shifts and expansive size make it a standout piece, much like Lautrec’s ability to create a lasting impression with his art.

Conclusion

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s use of bright and contrasting colors, combined with his innovative techniques, continues to inspire artists and designers across various fields. Knitting designers like Stephen West, Kaffe Fassett, and Andrea Mowry have translated Lautrec’s artistic legacy into their textile creations, using vibrant palettes and dynamic patterns to create pieces that are both visually stunning and richly detailed. Each of these designers, in their unique way, pays homage to Lautrec’s enduring influence on the world of art and design.

As I've mentioned before, I too was influenced by his work. Check out the 2 designs below.