Kaffe at Standen

Kaffe Fassett brings his colourful textiles to Standen

*This article refers to an exhibition which took place in 2017 and has now ended* Kaffe Fassett is renowned internationally for his bold use of colour, with over 40 best selling books inspiring people to be creative and have a go. Following on from his Winter Tree created at Standen for Christmas, Kaffe brings an exhibition of his works to the House. Open Saturday 7 January - Sunday 23 April 2017.

" It’s very nice to be put in the same sentence as William Morris. We have the same motivation the two of us, we want to make the world a kind of more interesting and delicious place with colour and pattern."

Likened to a modern day William Morris, Kaffe’s bold patterns and designs feature across knitting, needlepoint and patchwork and this exhibition will showcase a variety of textiles from different points in his career.

As part of his residency at Standen, Kaffe will also give two special lectures highlighting works from his latest projects, including his patchwork quilt, fabric, needlepoint, mosaics, painting and knitting designs. Much of Kaffe's inspiration comes from his continual travels and his lecture is designed not so much to instruct but to empower and inspire the audience to create and develop their "mind's eye". The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session and a book signing.

Kaffe Fassett holding flowers outside Standen — Kaffe Fassett on a research visit to Standen this summer

Kaffe Fassett Exhibition

Saturday 7 January – Sunday 23 April 2017
Please note the opening times below. Last entry to exhibition 30mins before closing times shown.

Every Saturday & Sunday:
Sat 7 Jan to Sun 23 Apr 11am-4.30pm (3.30pm in Jan)

Monday to Friday:
Mon 9 Jan – Tue 31 Jan, 12-2.30pm (rooms in the House will be closed and Behind the Scenes tours will be running).
Wed 1 Feb – Fri 31 Mar, 1.30pm-4.30pm, except half-term Mon 13-Fri 24 Feb, 11am-4.30pm
Mon 3 Apr – Fri 21 Apr, 11am-4.30pm

The exhibition is free but normal admission charges to the property apply (free for National Trust members). The exhibition is located upstairs in the house and is only accessible by stairs. Please note House is closed on weekdays in January and entry is to the exhibition only.

Sold Out Kaffe Fassett Lectures

Thursday 16 February & Thursday 23 March, 6.30pm
We’ll be welcoming Kaffe back to Standen to talk about his work and inspirations in two very special lectures.
£15 limited places available and booking essential. Please call 0344 249 1895 or click here for more information. *We are sorry but these lectures are now sold out.

" “Standen’s architect Philip Webb was a close friend and associate of William Morris and the influence of Morris is evident throughout the house. Often compared to William Morris, Kaffe Fassett is one of the most inspiring and popular designers of our generation and the whole team is thrilled and energised by Kaffe’s involvement.”"

About Kaffe Fassett

American-born artist, Kaffe Fassett has lived and worked in Britain for several decades. He ventured into the world of colourful yarn on a visit to a Scottish wool mill with fashion designer Bill Gibb. Inspired by the colours in the landscape, he was thrilled to find the same colours in yarns and on the train back to London a fellow passenger taught him how to knit.Kaffe has written over 40 best-selling books inspiring people to be creative and have a go and his patterns for Rowan Yarns are considered a must-have amongst hand knitters. His mosaics, rugs, knits and quilts have featured from Vogue to the V&A and he even created a gold medal winning garden for Chelsea Flower Show in 1998.

Two new books, ‘Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Italy’ and ‘Bold Blooms’ by Kaffe Fassett will be released September 2016 and include designs for beginners through to advanced stitchers. Both books will be available to purchase in Standen’s shop. A selection of his two scented ranges, ‘On Point’ (new for September 2016) and ‘Achillea’ will also be available to purchase.

The Winter Tree

Saturday 26 November 2016 – Monday 2 January 2017

Kaffe created a signature tree in the courtyard, adorned with colourful handmade decorations in contrast to the rooms in the house which were decorated to evoke festivities throughout the decades in the Beale family home. There was also the opportunity to preview a small number of Kaffe’s textiles within the house prior to his 2017 exhibition at Standen. Watch Kaffe decorate the Winter Tree in the video below.