Shirley Craven and Hull Traders: Revolutionary Fabrics and Furniture 1957-1980, Lesley Jackson

This book is a richly illustrated tribute to one of Britain’s most innovative postwar textile and furniture firms. Design historian Lesley Jackson charts how Hull Traders, under the bold vision of Shirley Craven, broke new ground in modern printed fabrics—bringing vibrant, abstract patterns and radical colour palettes into everyday interiors.

Through archive photographs, pattern swatches and insightful commentary, Jackson traces the story of Craven’s dynamic role as designer and art director, championing experimental young artists and pushing commercial textiles into the realm of fine art. The book is an inspiring companion for designers, collectors and mid-century enthusiasts alike—celebrating a pioneering spirit that reshaped Britain’s domestic landscape.

About the Author
Lesley Jackson is a respected design historian and curator specialising in 20th-century British design. Her books and exhibitions have shed new light on overlooked makers and movements, establishing her as a leading voice on postwar modernism.

Publication date: 2009
Publisher: ACC Art Books
Pages: 220
ISBN: 9781851496082