Remodelista

There’s Something About Ian

April 15th, 2007

From Janet, our slightly homesick London-to-SF transplant:

One of my favorite all-time London shops, Ian Mankin, launched a website (www.ianmankin.com) not too long ago. If you’ve seen his fabrics, you know why this is good news. If you haven’t, go online to view the tickings and linens that have made him a stalwart of the British home decor world. There’s something about his straightforward threads that sets them apart in the sea of stripes and neutrals out there. The website offers just a glimpse—order the catalog (phone: 011.44.20.7722.0997) to see the whole line. The photos are you-are-there clear—no need to send for swatches. Of course, it’s not quite as charming as a visit to the Primrose Hill shop in London (109 Regents Park Rd., not too far from Remodelista’s favorite pub, the Landsdowne on Gloucester Ave.), but it’s a close second.

In a funny way, I like the fact that you can’t place an online order…it makes it still something of a find. Lyn Sherwood, Ian Mankin’s export manager, can forward swatches, take orders, and deliver them to your door. Getting up at the crack of dawn to call during UK business hours is about the steepest cost of the deal. Even with import costs, the prices are incredibly reasonable.

My Ian Mankin-covered world thus far:

Curtains with embroidered union leaf/colour cream
Small couch and chair in Ticking 01/colour sage
Kids cushions in Bamboo Repp/colour airforce
Headboard and pillows in Highland Linen/Natural
Bench covered in UK cotton Panama 2/colour seagreen/sage

My Ian Mankin Wish List:

Palm Jacquard for my two living-room slipper chairs
Odeon Stripe 3 for a tired old wingback chair
Linen/Cotton Unions Hopsack, not sure where…
Embroidered rainbow spot for girls room curtains, maybe teamed up with a ticking.

Related posts:

1. Fabrics & Linens: Rapture and Wright
2. Children’s Room: World Map Rug
3. Fabrics and Linens: Ortolan Organic
4. Gordon Watson Update:
5. Fabric & Linens: Jules Pansu

Entry Filed under: FABRICS & LINENS, SHOPPER'S DIARY