“I was determined not to follow existing fashion but to create new ones.” – Arthur Lasenby Liberty.
Liberty has been at the cutting edge of design and the decorative arts since 1875. Hosted by the Fashion and Textile Museum’s Head of Exhibitions, Dennis Nothdruft, enjoy a fascinating look at this early period of Liberty & Co, and the brand’s place in design history.
Dennis explores Liberty’s beginnings – from the import of Orientalism and Aesthetic dress in the 19th century, through Art Nouveau and Art Deco in the early 20th century, and the opening of the iconic Tudor building in 1924.
Discover the story of founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty and the influence of Japanese art and imported fabrics on the development of the Liberty aesthetic. Investigate the hybridization of wool produced in India and woven in England and how the stunning textiles it created went on to feature in Liberty garments, with the opening of the costume department in 1884.
Examine contemporary collaborations and hear how Liberty & Co fulfilled its founders’ vision in becoming a design leader. During this talk, Dennis also reflects on how these ideas were featured in the Fashion and Textile Museum’s own 2015 exhibition, Liberty in Fashion.
This is a recording of the online event, Liberty and the Influence of the East, which originally took place on 13 November 2020 via Microsoft Teams.