Britannia Rose Blog > Spotlight
Behind the Brand: Blithfield
Celebrating Classic British Elegance
Blithfield is a London-based home furnishings company known for its beautifully crafted collections of fabrics and wallpapers. Founded in 1997 by Susan Ishak and Elizabeth Downing, the brand is a refined celebration of traditional design, vibrant colour, and timeless charm.
From the very beginning, Blithfield has drawn inspiration from historical documents, antique textiles, and the richly layered patterns of global craft traditions. Every design is infused with warmth and personality, creating interiors that feel both sophisticated and deeply lived-in.
With a style that balances classic motifs and fresh, modern tones, Blithfield’s collections are a go-to for interior designers and design lovers seeking a distinctly English sensibility with worldly character.
The Blithfield Philosophy
Blithfield designs are more than decorative - they tell a story. The brand masterfully blends classic English patterns with contemporary colourways to create designs that are at once timeless and fresh. Many of the fabrics are derived from antique documents collected during the founders’ travels, reimagined with a keen eye for modern interiors. Whether digitally printed or hand-screened, every piece reflects attention to detail and a deep respect for the art of textile design.
Meet the Founders: Susan Ishak & Elizabeth Downing
Blithfield was founded in 1997 by longtime friends Susan Ishak and Elizabeth Downing, who shared a passion for classic textiles, design history, and global craft traditions. With backgrounds in interiors and a sharp eye for colour and pattern, they set out to create a brand that blends timeless English elegance with a fresh, modern sensibility. Their collaborative vision continues to guide Blithfield’s collections, each rooted in heritage and reimagined for contemporary living.
Signature Collections
Blithfield’s portfolio includes several distinctive collections, including the celebrated Peggy Angus Archive, a tribute to the renowned 20th-century artist and designer. This collection features bold, rhythmic patterns that speak to Angus's modernist spirit while maintaining harmony with Blithfield’s traditional ethos.
What Makes Blithfield Special?
Blithfield stands out not only for its beautifully curated collections but also for the story behind the brand. Founded by two visionary women with a deep appreciation for historic textiles, the company brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to the world of interiors. Susan Ishak and Elizabeth Downing have created a brand that reflects their shared passion for timeless design, carefully balancing authenticity with a fresh, modern edge.
A hallmark of Blithfield is its distinctive use of colour and pattern. Each fabric and wallpaper design is thoughtfully composed, often inspired by antique documents, vintage prints, or motifs discovered during the founders' travels. These designs are never mere reproductions — they are reimagined with contemporary relevance, giving classic forms new life in today's interiors.
The quality of Blithfield's craftsmanship is another defining feature. From hand-screened prints to digitally produced designs, every product is made with meticulous attention to detail. This commitment ensures that each fabric or wallpaper not only looks beautiful but also endures over time.
Blithfield also holds the exclusive rights to the Peggy Angus Archive, a vibrant collection of patterns from the influential 20th-century artist and designer. These bold, rhythmic prints offer a modernist contrast to the more traditional motifs in the Blithfield catalogue, enriching its offering with variety and depth.
With a showroom at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, and a growing international reputation, Blithfield is trusted by interior designers, architects, and homeowners who seek refined design with lasting appeal. It is this rare ability to blend heritage with livable elegance that truly makes Blithfield special.