Collier Campbell textile designer studio

The Fashion Museum is currently exhibiting Paint! Pattern! Print!  featuring the archive of Collier Campbell design studio. 

Known for it's painterly approach to pattern and color, the studio has carved out a distinctive identity that bridges fine art and commercial design—transforming everyday fabrics into expressive compositions.

In the 1970s and 80s, sisters Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell defined the era with their painterly prints. The studio emerged during a period of cultural and artistic experimentation in Britain. Rather than adhering to the rigid structures that often defined textile design at the time, the duo embraced spontaneity. Their process was rooted in painting by hand—using brushes, inks, and dyes to create designs that retained the energy and irregularity of original artwork. This approach set them apart immediately: their textiles didn’t just decorate surfaces, they told visual stories.

Cote d'Azur fabric 1980s

One of the defining characteristics of Collier Campbell’s work is its fluidity. Florals, abstract forms, and organic shapes seem to drift across fabric with an almost effortless rhythm. Colors are layered and blended rather than flatly applied, giving their designs a sense of depth and movement.

Mediterranean fabric 1980s

Their influence extended far beyond fabric bolts. Collier Campbell collaborated with major retailers and brands, bringing their distinctive aesthetic into homes through wallpapers, furnishings, and fashion textiles. As design consultant on Liberty of London Prints, Susan oversaw the transformation of the production from small scale to major wholesale supplier. This meant the prints became widely disseminated across the fashion and interiors markets.

Original painting for a repeat print 'Bauhaus' for Liberty

Yet despite their commercial success, the studio never lost its artistic core. Each design began as a piece of artwork—often painted freely without a fixed outcome in mind—before being translated into repeat patterns suitable for production.

What’s especially compelling about Collier Campbell is how contemporary their work still feels. In an age dominated by digital precision, their hand-crafted irregularities stand out even more. The slight asymmetries, the visible brushstrokes, the intuitive use of color—all contribute to a sense of authenticity that resonates strongly today. Designers and consumers alike are increasingly drawn to this human touch, making the studio’s archive a rich source of inspiration.

Ultimately, Collier Campbell’s legacy lies in their ability to dissolve the boundary between art and design. They showed that textiles could be more than decorative—they could be emotive, expressive, and deeply personal. In doing so, they didn’t just follow trends; they helped shape the visual language of modern interiors.

As we look at contemporary design’s ongoing fascination with craftsmanship and authenticity, it becomes clear that Collier Campbell were not just of their time—they were ahead of it.

Visit The Fashion Museum's Paint! Pattern! Print! The Textiles of Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell until 13th September.