DAY ONE:
JANUARY 22-23, 2024
Wells Abbott clients have the opportunity to attend this annual trip that brings American designers and English makers together.
OUR 2024 TRIP IN REVIEW:
DESTINATION ONE:
THE PIMLICO ROAD
This unique village, formed by various streets converging on The Pimlico Road, has been long established as an area of individual retailers and businesses catering to the discerning interior designer.
DAY TWO:
DESTINATION TWO:
DESIGN CENTRE, CHELSEA HARBOUR
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is a premier destination for design and decoration excellence. Home to 130 showrooms and over 600 of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, the Design Centre is the largest of its kind in Europe.
ABOUT WELLS ABBOTT LONDON
Wells Abbott showrooms in the US exude a distinctive English aesthetic. To further immerse our US clients in this experience, we launched an innovative initiative. Working closely with our English brand partners, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, and the Grosvenor Estate/Pimlico Road Design District, we are pleased to present this inaugural event tailored exclusively for American designers.
Going beyond the traditional showroom visit, curated offsite excursions to our brands’ production facilities and workshops, designers engage directly with brands hearing their stories and witnessing the intricacies of the creative process. In addition, showrooms on Pimlico Road and in the Design Centre host designers sharing new collections and diving deeper into their artisanal process.
At Wells Abbott, we are not just showcasing our brands, we are investing in them by bringing designers to their doorsteps. At the same time, we are providing a unique opportunity for designers to delve deeper into our offerings and ultimately providing creative ideas that can be integrated into client projects. It’s a synergistic relationship where creativity thrives, and design boundaries are pushed (across the pond).
ABOUT LAUREN HUDSON
Lauren is President and CEO of The Wells Companies, a family of design entities that includes Wells Textiles, Wells Abbott Showrooms, Wells Design Interiors, Wells Warehouse and Cottage Textiles. The dynamic female force behind the businesses, Lauren has found many synergies from being an interior designer, running a showroom, and acquiring textile brands that have driven her to create a group of companies where each entity strengthens the other and provides a better experience for clients and fellow designers. Championing the best of design is important to Hudson, who strives to position her showrooms and collections at the forefront of today’s design industry.
In her leisure, Lauren enjoys spending time in her kitchen cooking for loved ones and finding inspiration in the decorative arts and historical settings.
ABOUT THE WELLS COMPANIES
Wells Textiles features textile and wallcovering brands Rose Cumming and Classic Cloth, acquired by Lauren in 2019. Wells Abbott showrooms exclusively represents and distributes boutique textile, wallcovering, trim, lighting, furniture, rug, and fireplace brands sold to the trade with locations in Chicago, Dallas, and Houston. Wells Design is a full-service interior design firm. Wells Warehouse is a 30,000 square foot facility that provides full-service management, administration and fulfillment services to textile and wallcovering partners. Cottage Textiles is a direct-to-consumer website featuring luxury textiles and wallcoverings that have been retired from production and inventory from some of the best textile and wallcovering brands in the world.
THE SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JANUARY 22
ON THE PIMLICO ROAD
CHECK-IN AND COFFEE
Designers picked up a gift bag and cup of coffee at Newson’s Yard, a newly renovated hub of design and creativity which previously housed London’s oldest timber yard.
PRIVATE EXCURSIONS & PRESENTATIONS
Designers joined Fermoie on a trip to their studio and factory complex, located in Marlborough. At the facility, designers met Fermoie founders Tom Helme and Martin Ephson, followed by a tour of the design studio, print facility, and workroom. Finally, they enjoyed lunch at Martin's beautiful 1706 country home.
Designers visited the Jamb warehouse to witness their inner workings: craftspeople meticulously ageing bronze, fitting panes of glass and carving marble. The warehouse also houses one of the most extensive collections of antique fireplaces in the country and it is from this library that Jamb's reproduction designs are drawn.
Designers joined Max Rollitt to visit his grainstore-turned-emporium, Yavington Barn, in which antique treasures sit side by side with Max Rollitt furniture and lighting. The tour also took in the polishing and upholstery workshops, where designers met the makers.
Collier Webb hosted an open house in their Pimlico Road showroom where a more in depth look at their artisan process was on display. Designers enjoyed guided discussions and were among the first to preview Collier Webb's latest Cedric collection.
Designers joined a conversation with Bernie de Le Cuona, founder and CEO of de Le Cuona, and previewed the March 2024 collection, Nature’s Opera. They discovered the importance of authenticity, quality, creativity, and responsibility, how they define the brand and why using natural products are so important in a modern world.
Designers joined the Fermoie team as they showcased their upcoming launch of two new patterns: Maple and Ticking. They also explored a sneak preview of their Indoor/Outdoor collections which will launch in the spring.
Designers joined Orlando Atty, Managing Director, and the Robert Kime team for an exclusive first look at their new wool carpet collection, launching Winter 2024. Made on traditional looms in the UK, the carpet designs are based on archival documents that embrace an interest in place and authenticity of pattern and color.
COCKTAIL BASH ON PIMLICO
Hosted by The Pimlico Road Design District, this invitation-only event was attended by all brands on The Pimlico Road and Wells Abbott designers.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23
IN DESIGN CENTRE, CHELSEA HARBOUR
CHECK-IN AND COFFEE
Designers arrived and enjoyed a cup of coffee at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, Europe’s premier design destination and home to over 130 showrooms.
A CONVERSATION ON CLASSIC ENGLISH DECORATING
Guest speakers: Henrietta Spencer-Churchill and Jane Churchill
Moderator: Giles Kime, Executive and Interiors Editor of Country Life
Designers joined renowned interior designers Henrietta Spencer-Churchill and Jane Churchill as they discussed the enduring appeal of classic English style. We discovered their secrets to creating elegant, characterful interiors, many of which draw inspiration from great English houses they know so well. We heard personal memories of growing up in Blenheim Palace and the extraordinary legacy of ancestors including Nancy Astor and Nancy Lancaster.
PRESENTATIONS AND DEMOS
A History of Trimmings Talk and Demonstration at the George Spencer Designs Showroom
George Spencer Designs and Gainsborough guided guests through the colorful and historical use of trimmings. Designers enjoyed a trimming demo by Rachel Travell of Heritage Trimmings and took home a keepsake souvenir.
Meet the Makers and New Collection Previews at the Tissus d'Hélène Showroom
With the owners of Namay Samay, Fleurons d'Hélène, Boon & Up, Pukka Print, Madeaux, Nicole Fabre Designs, and more.
Open House at the Marvic Textiles Showroom
Marvic Textiles shared a behind the scenes look at their design process and new collection development.
Open House at Jennifer Manners Design + Mia Reay Pop-Up
At the Jennifer Manners Design showroom, designers explored a collection of exquisite handmade rugs with a distinct focus on sustainability. Mia Reay's line of wallpapers were also on display: full of eccentric British charm, complemented by Mia’s passion for nature and global art.
Open House at Collier Webb
At the Collier Webb showroom, designers explored luxury lighting, furniture and hardware collections.
Open House at de Le Cuona
Designers visited de Le Cuona's showroom to see fabrics and accessories for interiors, rooted in nature and responsibly crafted from the world's finest fibers.
LUNCH IN DESIGN CENTRE, CHELSEA HARBOUR
Lunch was hosted by George Spencer Designs and Tissus d'Hélène in their respective showrooms.
COCKTAILS & SUPPER UNDER THE DOMES
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour hosted an Enchanted English Garden Evening. Cocktails and a seated supper were served under the airy domes of the building.
MONDAY
JANUARY 22
ON THE PIMLICO ROAD
Check-in and coffee at Newson’s Yard, a newly renovated space previously home to London’s oldest timber yard
Private Excursions and Presentations with our brands, such as:
- A trip to Fermoie’s studio and factory complex, located on the outskirts of the beautiful market town of Marlborough. Includes lunch at Fermoie founder Martin Ephson’s country home, a beautiful Queen Anne house built in 1706.
- A sculpting workshop with Collier Webb, where you will learn about the art of lost wax casting and create a memorable souvenir.
- A backstage tour to witness the inner workings of Jamb and explore their extensive collections of antique fireplaces.
- An exclusive first look at Robert Kime's new wool carpet collection, launching Winter 2024.
- Many more to come
Cocktail Bash hosted by The Pimlico Road Association, including all brands on The Pimlico Road and their guests
TUESDAY
JANUARY 23
IN DESIGN CENTRE CHELSEA HARBOUR
Coffee at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour
Panel on Living In & Decorating English Country Houses hosted by Giles Kime, Executive and Interiors Editor of Country Life
A History of Trimmings Workshop with George Spencer Designs and Gainsborough, where you will learn about the colorful and historical use of trimmings and make a keepsake item
Meet the Makers and New Collection Previews with the owners of Namay Samay, Fleurons d'Helene, Boon & Up, Pukka Print, Marvic Textiles, Madeaux Home, Nicole Fabre Designs, and more
Lunch hosted by Tissus d’Helene and George Spencer Designs
Dinner under the Main Dome of Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, attended by all designers and brands
