Bruno Lamy and the Art of Hand-Block Printing
Bruno Lamy is the founder and exclusive designer for Couleur Nature. A distinguished and classically trained French artist, Bruno came across the time-honored technique of handcrafted woodblock printing while traveling through India. Inspired by the unique beauty and intricacy of this venerable art form, Bruno began designing the array of captivating French table linens which became the Couleur Nature collection.
While traveling through India, the Paris-based designer was introduced to the technique of hand-block printing, an art form passed from generation to generation. Impressed and inspired by the unique beauty of hand-made textiles, Lamy returned to Paris and began creating a visually-enticing array of Provencal-inspired linens that has become known as Couleur Nature.
The art of hand-block printing is an intricate and extensive process with over 100 studied movements. In Jaipur, India, local craftsmen, who have preserved this ancient tradition for centuries, use hand-carved teakwood blocks to carefully apply layers of rich shades of dye reflecting the myriad of colors found in nature. Once all of the colors have been applied, the fabric is cut and stitched accordingly. Inherent to this artisan process, tones and finish vary, thereby guaranteeing a unique and beautiful collection of linens.
Mr. Lamy has been designing textiles for over two decades and is continually inspired by the response to his work. His style has been used on countless French tablecloths, tea towels and table runners. As a result of their high demand, two new prints are introduced each season in a variety of hues and are interchangeable with previously introduced patterns.
His designs are inspired by the French traditions of Provence and the French countryside, embracing the beauty of various floral, fruit, and fauna in a variety of vibrant styles with a touch of whimsy. Couleur Nature linens are then made by hand in India using the tradition of block printing; hand-carved blocks made from teakwood are used to apply a range of designs and colors with more than 100 movements for each cloth. The cloth is then cut and stitched, creating a uniquely beautiful appearance.
French Country Design
Think of French countryside as places where you’re sure to see bright sunshine and lavender fields. Nowhere is this more obvious than on French aprons or tablecloths, which are perfect displays of French Country design. Rustic farmhouses, old-world and welcoming, contrasting textures – flooring of stone, clay or brick, pale plaster walls, ceilings punctuated with dark rough wood beams. And think color. The colors used for French Country decorating come from the entire color wheel and are based on the gardens of Provence. Sunny yellow, soft gold, cobalt blue and soft ocean tones, fiery red and burnt rust, bright grass green and dark hunter green – each has a place in this very versatile decorating style. Colorful Provencal printed fabrics are best set off against light-toned natural walls and floors and rustic furnishings.
We are proud to carry Mr. Lamys beautiful napkins, runners, and placemats on our shop. Below are some of our favorite pieces.
