Blake Brings his magic to wallpaper

Yorkshire Post Mid-Week Life & Style Section - Weds 18th Aug 2010

Interiors

One of my abiding memories as a child was watching special episodes of Jackanory when Quentin Blake, the marvellous illustrator and children’s author used to tell a story whilst at the same time draw it across a vast expanse of wall. So I was particularly thrilled to hear that he has just launched a wonderful collection of fabrics and wallpapers for Osborne & Little.

The Zagazoo collection features a host of lively and animated characters and all of the patterns are based on Quentin’s original book illustrations. The range includes butterfly meadows, jubilant musicians, playful dogs, skateboarders, a range of witty and unusual A-Z illustrations and, my personal favourite, a collection of colourful Cockatoos perched in a big leafy jungle. Each design comes in a variety of colourways from the muted to the downright exotic!

This collection is sure to appeal to children of all ages – indeed, one of my bedrooms is being redecorated specifically to accommodate those mischievous Cockatoos as we go to press.

Wallpaper is £31.73 a roll and fabric £31.73 a meter (www.osborneandlittle.com; 020 7352 1456).

Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design and one of the region's leading designers. Contact him on 0800 0321 180 or visit his website, www.jamiehempsall.com