Evelyn Wyld: Pioneer of British Interior Design

Evelyn Wyld (1882-1972) was a British designer known for her contributions to interior design. Born in 1882, she lived during a time when the profession was predominantly male-dominated. However, Wyld established herself as a prominent figure in the industry and left a lasting impact on British design.

Education

She studied at the Royal College of Music, London. 

Biography

She settled in Paris in 1907. She and Eileen Gray then travelled to North Africa, where they learned from Arab women to weave and dye wool with natural colours. 

In 1909, Wyld returned to Britain, where she studied weaving and rug knotting while Gray tried her hand at designing rugs. In 1927, she and Eyre de Lanux began living together and first worked on the rue Visconti, Paris. It was here that Wyld supervised the weaving of rugs designed by Gray.

At one point, eight women worked in the three rooms on the top floor of the building where Honore de Balzac had run a print shop earlier. The wool came from the Auvergne, was dyed in Paris, and had labels that read ‘Designed by Eileen Gray at the workshop of Evelyn Wyld.’ 

The rugs were given names, including Héliogabale, Ulysse, Hannibal, Macédoine, Pénélope, Fidèle, Casimir, Biribi, D (for Damia) and E (for Eileen). 

The best-seller was Footit, named for the clowns Chocolat et Footit. Gray’s rugs were severely geometric; Wyld’s tended to be flowery. In 1929, Wyld and Eyre de Lanux moved to Saint-Tropez, then to La Roquette-sur-Siagne, and opened the shop Decor in Cannes, which soon closed. They designed interiors and lacquered furniture, some with the assistance of Seizo Sugawara. 

Recognition

Wyld and de Lanux showed furniture and rugs in the 1927, 1929, and 1932 Salons of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs and the 1930 (I) UAM (Union des Artistes Modernes). Wyld’s rugs were shown at the 1931 rug exhibition at Curtis Moffat Gallery, London. 

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.

British Interior Design – A Short History

British interior design has evolved over centuries, reflecting the nation’s social, cultural, and technological transformations. Each era introduced distinct styles and philosophies, contributing to the rich tapestry of British interiors.

Tudor Period (1485–1603)

The Tudor era marked a time of prosperity, leading to the construction of lavish homes adorned with dark oak paneling, rich velvet fabrics, and ornate wooden furniture. Interiors featured intricate tapestries and heraldic motifs, emphasizing grandeur and status. (National Trust)

Georgian Period (1714–1830)

Georgian interiors embraced symmetry and proportion, drawing inspiration from classical architecture. Palladianism influenced design, leading to elegant rooms with muted color palettes, ornate plasterwork, and refined furnishings. The use of mahogany became prevalent, and spaces were designed to reflect harmony and balance. (National Trust)

Victorian Era (1837–1901)

The Victorian era was eclectic, with interiors showcasing a mix of styles due to global influences and mass production. Homes were filled with ornate furniture, heavy draperies, and decorative accessories. The Arts and Crafts Movement emerged as a reaction against industrialization, promoting handcrafted items and simpler forms. (Wallpaper Direct)

20th Century to Present

The 20th century witnessed significant shifts in British interior design. Modernism introduced minimalism and functionalism, moving away from ornate details. Post-war Britain saw a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, with designers like Terence Conran popularizing modern aesthetics. Today, British interiors often combine historical elements with modern design, reflecting a balance between heritage and innovation. (Sbid)

Understanding these historical contexts enriches our appreciation of British interior design’s evolution and enduring influence on global aesthetics.

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