Ester Coen – författare

A unique exploration of the close relationship between art and design, explored through the historic and contemporary fabric designs of Liberty, where avant-garde art has influenced the colourful, geometric collections for more than half a century. Liberty is renowned internationally for its fabrics, especially its floral patterns, but it also has a long history of developing bold, geometric designs. Many of these have been inspired by early 20th-century avant-garde art, notably by the Italian Futurists – by artists such as Giacomo Balla and Umberto Boccioni – and their English contemporaries the Vorticists, including Christopher Nevinson and Edward Wadsworth.  In anticipation of Liberty’s 150th anniversary, esteemed couturier and interior designer Federico Forquet has curated a striking new range of fabrics – the FuturLiberty Collection – that carries Liberty’s creative heritage into our own age.  The Futurist and Vorticist art that lies behind the new designs is explored by specialists Ester Coen and Richard Cork, while archivist Anna Buruma examines Liberty’s rich history of avant-garde designs. By illuminating the process by which the FuturLiberty Collection came into being, this highly visual study also reveals how art can inform design, making it contemporary, relevant and engaging.

Cloth-covered box containing catalogues, postcards and posters celebrating and exploring the 150th anniversary of London's iconic store. To celebrate 150 years of Liberty, I Am. We Are. Liberty offers an immersive journey into the heart of the iconic brand. More than just a book, it's a beautifully crafted box filled with a curated collection of printed materials and objects—each piece uncovering a different facet of Liberty’s rich cultural legacy. At its heart is a 68-page main catalogue exploring the Liberty story—featuring contributions from Liberty CEO Adil M Khan, curator Ester Coen, and cultural voices including Alice Rawsthorn, Louise Wise, and Barry Miles. Alongside this sit five partner publications spotlighting Liberty’s anniversary collaborations with a range of institutions including the Design Council, William Morris Gallery, British Museum, Imperial War Museum and Sir John Soane Museum. Postcards, posters (including one designed by Grayson Perry), stickers, facsimiles, 3D cutouts and concertinas of the building, and even temporary tattoos are thoughtfully assembled to reflect the stories, collaborations, and archival treasures that define Liberty’s enduring influence. Every item in the box invites you to explore Liberty as never before. This unconventional publication is a collector’s item and a keepsake—perfect for design lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by Liberty’s timeless spirit.