Selection of Hummingbirds

A celebration of one of Cole & Son’s most beloved design icons; Hummingbirds’ diminutive figures have become the design house’s greatest hero. 

Originally created in the 1780s as an 18-colour hand block-printed motif, taking a total of 11 blocks to print using a method called ‘patch printing’ where the printer can print more than one colour with each impression, Hummingbirds has remained a precious jewel within the Cole & Son portfolio. Now printed as a 12-colour surface print, this late Georgian design can still be found in royal residences – notably Queen Victoria’s former bedroom at Kensington Palace – as well as on fashion catwalks – featuring in British fashion designer, Paul Smith’s, Autumn/Winter 2002 womenswear collection.

 The house’s new Selection of Hummingbirds also incorporates new textiles in crisp cotton poplins as well as raw silks, both plain co-ordinates and luxurious embroidered silks showcasing the dazzling hues of each bird’s plumage. 

The collection is complete with two new designs, a striking panel – Hummingbirds Flora – and co-ordinating all-over trail design – Flora – which are hand-painted at Cole & Son’s flagship in the heart of Chelsea, London. The delicate, hand-rendered watercolour creates an expansive scene of these beautiful birds in their unique flight.

Charged with history and character, Hummingbirds is elegance in a print. Its timeless design combines classic printing methods with a modernity of palette and hue.