Visit the textile archives of Susan Collier & Sarah Campbell

Opening today in London, Paint! Pattern! Print! celebrates the vibrant and influential work of Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell, tracing five decades of bold, painterly textile design that reshaped the language of pattern

On show at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, Paint! Pattern! Print! celebrates the vibrant and influential work of sisters Collier and Campbell, whose partnership helped redefine printed textiles from the 1960s onwards.

A Legacy in Colour and Pattern

Bringing together a wide-ranging body of work, the exhibition showcases large-scale paintings, textiles, fashion and immersive room sets. Known for their bold, painterly and free-flowing style, Collier and Campbell created designs that felt expressive and hand-made, even within the context of mass production.

Central to their practice was a desire to challenge the conventions of traditional textile design. Rejecting rigid pattern structures, the duo developed what they described as ‘cheating the repeat’ – a technique that allowed their designs to appear continuous and fluid rather than obviously repeating.

This approach transformed the visual language of printed fabric, introducing a new sense of movement and spontaneity that would become synonymous with their work.

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From Liberty to Global Influence

The exhibition traces their journey from early success , beginning in 1961, when Susan Collier presented her portfolio to Liberty of London, to a series of high-profile collaborations with brands including Habitat, Marks & Spencer and John Lewis.

Their work also extended into fashion, notably influencing the 1972 Rive Gauche collection by Yves Saint Laurent. Throughout their career, the sisters maintained a commitment to making design both accessible and expressive, aligning with a post-war appetite for colour, creativity and modern living.

Drawing on the natural world, their designs frequently feature plants, landscapes, birds and domestic objects. Works such as Côte d’Azur evoke sun-drenched scenes of the Mediterranean, while pieces like Herbaceous Border and Cottage Garden reflect a deep engagement with floral abundance and garden culture.

Alongside these, more abstract compositions, including Bauhaus, demonstrate their responsiveness to wider artistic movements, combining modernist influence with their signature use of colour and rhythm.

Continuing the Practice

Following Collier’s death in 2011, the exhibition continues with a focus on Campbell’s ongoing work. Her recent practice expands on earlier themes, incorporating hand-painted textiles and new collaborations while maintaining a commitment to colour, form and experimentation.

Through archival material, recreated studio environments and an extensive selection of designs, Paint! Pattern! Print! offers a comprehensive insight into a partnership that reshaped textile design and continues to inspire today.

The exhibition is open from today at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 13 September 2026, open Tuesdays – Saturdays, from 11:00 – 18:00. Tickets are around £12.50.

Plan your visit to Paint! Pattern! Print! and discover the vibrant world of Collier and Campbell.

Words by Libbi Kettle