Meet the artist behind the bespoke wallpaper at New Park Manor

Discover the Unique Wallpaper designed for New Park Manor

Date

02 / 04/ 2024

Category

Hotel news, New Park Manor

As New Park Manor reopens its doors, we are delighted to share more about some of the unique new features that you will be able to see when you visit the hotel.

Artist Emily Daborn was commissioned by StudioJill, our interior design team, to create a bespoke wallpaper to be used in some of our rooms and suites. Emily shared with us a bit more detail about the project.

What’s your background? Have you always been an artist?

I am a print designer by trade, and have worked in fashion, homewares and stationery. I work as a freelance artist, print designer and illustrator, working in collaborations with other designers and creators. I also have my own business The Good Life Home creating Contemporary Art. I still find it overwhelming to call myself an ‘artist’ as I approach both print designs and artworks in the same way, drawing and painting from scratch.

Tell us a little bit about how this project came about…had you worked with StudioJill before?

A very kind friend introduced me to StudioJill and it was clear from the start we were on the same page. Jill and Emilie from StudioJill are so lovely to work with, it was very seamless and definitely a dream project!

How long did it take you to design the wallpaper?

It’s hard to say exactly how long it took. I hand painted all the elements in ink first and then let the story evolve, while piecing the elements together in photoshop. All in all it was probably a little over a week, from initial inky sketches, repeat and colourway options.

Where did you get your inspiration from?

StudioJill had a very open brief but they knew they wanted to use the history of the New Forest and its ethereal atmosphere. There is also a link with Alice in Wonderland (Alice was based on a girl who lived in the New Forest) and the fungus/ mushrooms that grow there. I looked at vintage drawings of Mushrooms and I knew I wanted to bring across the playfulness of Alice in Wonderland, so I created the characters and designed them into the woodland imagery in a hide and seek kind of way.

When the refurbishment is complete, what are you most excited to see?

I can’t wait to be standing in one of the rooms and seeing the wallpaper up on the wall. Wallpaper can give a room a very immersive feel and a sense of escapism. I love it - perhaps I need to start my own wallpaper range!

Luxury Family Hotels aside, what would your dream project be?

I loved this brief, so more like this please! I love designing for interiors and collaborating with like minded designers is what I truly love.

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