Retro Print Revival
Retro Print Revival has just celebrated its 10th birthday. Ever evolving, their new collection experiments with new ceramics and textiles. We chat to Creative Director Tamara Watts about her love of mid-century design and the key to her businesses’ longevity.
Photography Mike Baker
Tamara Watts, Creative Director
1. When did your love of mid-century design begin and what draws you to this style?
I’ve always had a love for bygone eras. It started out with music, then fashion, then into design and decor. Mid-century design is minimal, clean lines, delicious timbers, drool-worthy finishes, and a focus on bringing the outdoors in. What’s not to love about the combination of all those things!
2. What has been the key to Retro Print Revival’s longevity?
I’ve always stuck to my beliefs and have never gone to offshore manufacturing, no matter how tempting it was at times to get things made cheaper.
Everything is made as locally as possible to reduce our carbon footprint and to keep money circulating around the community. I’ve found the best people in the biz who meticulously hand-craft each component of my products, and the quality of the materials and work is something that offshore manufacturing can’t compete with.
3. Tell us a little about the new pieces in the collection.
The new collection has expanded my experimentations with ceramics, which has proven hugely popular over the last couple of years. The new Athena line builds on the Electra before it, but with more of an earthy look speckled glazes and raw terra-cotta clay. The bronzed mirrored Raven Planters are delving a bit more into the early 80’s, and the Stevi Vases are classic mid century style. I’ve also introduced new linen colours, hessians, and velvet lampshades into the range.
