It is dangerous trawling the internet. I was investigating alternative headboard ideas last night and came across this on Skylon Interiors:
Have you ever seen anything so fantastic and fantastical? Sadly it is sold or I would have to have it, even if I am not entirely sure what I would have done with it. It is a painted canvas and wood backdrop used by a touring theatrical company in the 40's and 50's. It is beautifully painted and I love it's faded shabby glory. I sent a photo to my intended saying, "You should thank your lucky stars this is sold or I'd be saying, 'You'll never guess what I bought today!'" and a total replan of the intended dining room scheme. He pointed out that at 3 metres tall, it never would have fit into our dining room, but I wouldn't let such practical details get in the way of an amazing decorative detail. Funny how recently during our DIY trials, my partner has been very quick to offer up the services of his new multi-tool with saw attachment (to my slight worry) at any opportunity, but as soon as I mentioned this work of art, he was mysteriously silent with regards to using the multi-tool to get it to fit. All of this means nothing of course, because some other lucky person is in possession of this unique piece. If you like the idea of willow pattern, standard size or giant, we do quite a large range of willow pattern stencils be it motifs from the china or stencils of the china itself e.g. plates, cups, teapots. Check out our Blue & White range or put willow pattern into the search on our site.
Rachel
I am currently planning an attic room with giant stencilled willow pattern going from walls into ceiling. If it turns out as stunning as the big willow plate that Rachel found I'll be thrilled. I wil be posting the inspiration and process for the willow room soon.
Posted by: stencil helen | January 30, 2013 at 11:17 AM
Oh Rachel! I would have fought you for this! I have seen so much art used lately , blown up to cover a whole wall but this is even better. I love the fact it is imperfect, with the crack running down the middle and aged stained from use. I would love to know how it played into the theatrical company's show.
Posted by: Theresa Cheek | February 03, 2013 at 01:19 PM
I knew you would like this Theresa. When Rachel showed the picture to me you were the first person that I thought of!
Posted by: Helen Morris | February 03, 2013 at 02:02 PM
That is unabashedly fabulous. I love the scale of it and the trompe l'oeil of the plate itself. It certainly is inspiring me
Posted by: Lynne Rutter | February 04, 2013 at 07:20 AM
Might it appear in an opera sometime soon Lynne? Or a Chinoiserie workshop? You will do something wonderful
I know you are more than capable of hand painting a replica ....but we do have a willow plate stencil and it looks fabulous at large size. I stencilled one of our Blue and White plates on a floor, but it was only four feet tall half the size of the one in the picture. I am thinking circular Roc-Lon floorcloths at the moment.
Posted by: Helen Morris | February 04, 2013 at 09:36 AM