The world of Heidi Zilmer Hand-printed bowler hats in gold leaf and playful interpretations of Nordic knitting patterns. It is hard not to fall head over heels for Heidi Zilmer and her magnificent hand-printed wallpaper. And we surrendered unconditionally when we discovered that she has included a PH lamp in one of her works, created to honour the great icons of Danish design. Heidi insists on being referred to as a ‘master painter’ rather than an ‘artist’, and she works passionately to convert the traditional techniques of the painting profession into contemporary expressions suitable for application in modern architecture and homes. For us here at Louis Poulsen, the meeting with Heidi Zilmer was an absolute pleasure and led to enthusiastic conversations about what makes good craft, the joy of making an effort, and the meeting between classical and modern. Because it is here, where contrasts collide, that homes become fascinating and personal. For good examples we need look no further than the wallpaper designs that feature traditional Nordic knitting patterns, which have been simplified to a no-frills, modern expression – but are still hand-painted with networks of tiny cracks and variations in the colours. At the same time, the wallpaper itself often generates a striking contrast when it takes up its position, challenging the numerous white walls that tend to dominate houses and homes today. In the same way, we at Louis Poulsen have noted that classics such as the PH 5 and AJ lamps – which have been launched in a new colour spectrum in recent years – once again appear modern and relevant to a new generation. The design, the craftsmanship and the quality are still the same, but the expression has been updated and provides inspiration for new and surprising combinations. Mette Lund 39
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