-= Fairlyte Decorative Interiors =-

Captivated by the beguiling and long forgotten decorative tastes of our 16th and 17th Century ancestors Melissa White and David Cutmore have been researching and reproducing Elizabethan painted interiors for over 15 years.

Over the years we have developed a hands-on understanding and appreciation of Elizabethan decoration. We have built up an outstanding archive of Elizabethan reference material, photographs, literature, samples and techniques. We have also built up valuable associations with like-minded experts in the field which has greatly enhanced our scope and proficiency.

In 2001 we established the Fairlyte workshop in Hastings on the Sussex coast; an ideal space for the diverse projects which we now undertake. From here we make then distress fresco secco panels, paint luxurious linen cloths on our huge stretcher frame, and explore further techniques and applications for the magnificent patterns of our creative forebears

In 2007 Melissa was awarded a grant by The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) to carry out further research into Elizabethan painted decoration.

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Our Clients:

The majority of our commissions are from private clients across the British Isles wishing to reinstate Elizabethan decoration in their period homes. Some commissions are more eclectic, mixing historic pattern with modern interiors. We also work with the heritage, commercial and hospitality sectors with clients ranging from city councils to antique dealers and projects as diverse as a Shakespearean theme park in Japan and a painted arch and curtain in a menswear shop in Rome.

Our first major commission was for the Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust and their bold redisplay project in 2000. We were asked to supply painted cloths for the walls of four rooms in Shakespeare’s house; designs sourced from buildings he was known to have visited. This lead to re-instating painted imitation panelling in Harvard House just around the corner and further involvement with the Shakespeare houses is on the horizon.

We are always happy to discuss your project so please feel free to contact us.