murals

Ashley Rye

Decorated Kitchens and Bathrooms, part 2

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Stencilled bathtub in a Paddington flat. This was done over a sponged eggshell finish. The stencils are cut from matt polyester draughting film, which is thin, translucent, and tough. They are cut in 'sandwiches' of three or four at a time, on glass, with special knives, including one with a revolving head which is perfect for curves. The advantage of technique is that exceptionally fine detail can be obtained, especially with airbrush. The effect is similar to Japanesewoodcut/stencil, clear and sharp-edged, although it can also be knocked back and antiqued where necessary. The Japanese used the inner bark of the mulberry tree for their stencil paper for their wonderful designs, which were printed on kimonos, fabrics, etc, and cut these stencils in batches of eight at a time. I have a nice collection of hand-cut stencils drawing from Victorian, Art Nouveau, Japanese and Islamic designs, and will assemble a separate portfolio of these, time permitting.

 

Here is a chest in the bedroom of the same flat, painted in the same style as a cupboard with lupins that you can see in the furniture section, washed-out blue with a crackle glaze finish.

 

A touch of fuschia and ribbon to tie them in with the bedroom cupboard.