AN IMMERSIVE JUXTAPOSITION OF NEW AND ARCHIVE DESIGNS, ZOFFANY SHOWCASES THE BEST OF BRITISH TALENT WITH PALLADIO VOLUME I, NEW FOR AW20.

The world that narrated the curation of Palladio Volume I for

Zoffany has changed beyond recognition. Its existence is now

almost incomparable to our new and strangely altered lives,

but unexpectedly a parallel has emerged between today and

Palladio’s inaugural 1955 launch.

Witnessing an iconic moment in time, this story is a celebration

of new and original design, colourful and exemplary,

underpinned by optimism and anticipation. A launch that pairs

six favourite Palladio designs from the Zoffany archive with the

introduction of an exceptional British talent.

Palladio Volume I for Zoffany is a stunningly insightful

compendium of wallcoverings, featuring designs handpicked by

Robert and Roger Nicholson, the creative duo behind Palladio’s

initial launch 65 years ago. Chosen for their individuality and

accomplished handwriting, feel the immersive and atmospheric

opulence of Exchange Square, the striking geometric of Impact

and the ordered structure of Columns. Majoring in variety and

building an everlasting archive, Palladio’s mid-century origins

brought the beauty of art to public spaces, adorning municipal

interiors with dramatic, large-scale motifs.

Continuing Palladio’s ethos of identifying new talent, Zoffany is

thrilled to introduce Sam Wilde, a graduate of the Royal College

of Art whose striking design, ‘Precarious Pangolins’ features in

this collection. Chosen for his artistry, modernity and passion

for the environment, Sam’s dynamic approach mirrors that of

the Nicholsons’ mid-century choices. With a background in

natural sciences, Sam’s ‘bioappropriation’ belief system supports

the plants, animals and places that feature in his designs, via a

percentage of the proceeds generated from each sale.

Peter Gomez, head of design at Zoffany says, “We’re absolutely

delighted to unveil Palladio Volume I, a project that’s been kept

tightly under wraps for a very long time. From selecting our

favourite Palladio archive pieces, to getting to know the fabulous

designers at the Royal College of Art, this collection has been

a huge joy to produce from start to finish. Additionally, we’re

excited to set up a bursary programme which will help one

designer each year at the RCA, continuing with the Nicholson

brothers’ legacy of supporting exceptional new design talent.”

In a comparison with the original Palladio launch, Palladio

Volume I for Zoffany is made up almost exclusively of Nicholson

brothers’ designs, providing a fitting first chapter to this

inspiring story. Staying true to the original pattern books

and promotional material, illustrated interiors, instead of

photography, have been used throughout this collection,

adding integrity and continuity. With Palladio as relevant now

as at its initial launch, the Zoffany studio is already working on

Volume II.