Syrie Maugham: A Visionary in White

Syrie Maugham, born Gwendoline Maude Syrie Barnardo in 1879, revolutionised interior and furniture design with her distinctive and bold approaches. Her legacy, deeply rooted in her unique aesthetic and daring use of colour—notably white—continues to influence design and decoration. This blog post delves into the life, career, and enduring impact of Syrie Maugham, exploring her work through the lens of the decorative arts.

Early Life and Entry into Design

From Scandal to Style

The daughter of Dr. Barnardo, founder of the Barnardo Homes, Syrie Maugham’s early life was marred by personal scandals, which paradoxically propelled her into the limelight, setting the stage for her future career. In 1922, amidst this tumultuous backdrop, she daringly opened her first shop at 85 Baker Street, London. This marked the beginning of her profound influence on the decorative arts, attracting a clientele that included luminaries such as Noël Coward and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

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The Signature White Room

Innovation Through Color and Light

Syrie Maugham is perhaps best known for her audacious decision in 1927 to paint her King’s Road house entirely white, a publicity stunt that captivated the design world. This all-white aesthetic was not merely a colour choice but a strategic use of light and space, enhancing the visual depth and ambience of the room. Her approach was described as “smiling, shimmering, all-white” and set a precedent for future designers.

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Design Philosophy and Techniques

The Maugham Treatment

Maugham had a distinctive method for her furniture creations, often involving the so-called ‘pickled’ finish, where furniture was wiped with a white paint solution. This technique was applied even to fine 18th-century pieces, showing her boldness in merging historical craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Her philosophy extended to the layout of the rooms she designed, where she masterfully balanced light, texture, and space to create serene yet striking interiors.

Iconic Projects and Clientele

A Portfolio of Prestige

Among her most notable projects was the design of “Villa Eliza” in Le Touquet, a hub for the affluent in the 1920s. In a 1927 issue of House and Garden, the villa showcased Maugham’s signature beige tones and meticulous attention to detail, from the peach-coloured silk curtains to the bespoke furniture coverings. Her work set trends and influenced other prominent figures in the design world.

Legacy and Influence

Enduring Impact on Design

Maugham’s influence persisted despite personal and financial upheavals, including bankruptcy in the early 1950s. Her ‘white look’ became a staple in Hollywood film sets and was later emulated by designers like Michael Taylor with his ‘California look.’ Her mirrored screens and innovative use of fabrics remain celebrated, as seen in the 1979-80 ‘Thirties’ exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London.

Conclusion: The Timeless Elegance of Syrie Maugham

Syrie Maugham was more than just a designer; she was a visionary who reshaped the decorative arts through her fearless innovations and exquisite taste. Her legacy endures in the timeless elegance of her designs and the ongoing inspiration she provides to designers worldwide.

Sources

Battersby, M. (1988). The Decorative Twenties. United Kingdom: Whitney Library of Design.

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

Syrie Maugham. (2024, January 25). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrie_Maugham

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