New York. The city that doesn't sleep. It's on everyone's must-see list and no matter how many times we visit, there's always more to inspire us. 

1. Surtex 2016

We were delighted to exhibit at Surtex, an illustration tradeshow held in New York connecting artists with manufacturers. Showing in the USA for the first time, we used the opportunity to showcase some exciting new interior concepts which received a welcome response.

Discover more from the show, including wallpaper concepts, on our instagram page here.

After the buzz of the show, we were free to explore the streets of the big apple and found design inspiration on every corner! Discover what caught our creative eye...

2. Architecture

Remembering to look up is essential for sightseeing, urban style! We enjoyed finding patterns within the considered detail of the architecture.

3. World class history

Museums are plentiful in New York where we found ourselves lost for hours amongst ancient history, romantic art movements and contemporary exhibitions. When it comes to permanent collections, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the best for variety and volume. If you're inspired by medieval myths and legends like us, the Cloisters museum is filled with decorative arts and sculpture from this period.

4. Galleries

There's nothing quite like being there. We stood in awe, admiring our favourite artists paintings within the extensive Metropolitan Museum's collection, including Henri Rousseau's 'The Repast of the Lion', ca. 1907. This work features an exotic jungle vegetation which is based on studies he made in Paris's botanical gardens. His wild animals are adapted from popular ethnographic journals and illustrated children's books of the time. We have a sudden urge to start sketching.

5. Colour

Rich, bold colour pops out at us from 'Large Interior, Los Angeles', an oil and ink on cut-and-pasted paper on canvas by David Hockney. We explore how the great artists use bold colour within their artworks in MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Inspiration can come from anywhere, whether it is from an artist's work you admire, the values they hold, a conversation you have in the elevator or even the interior of a hidden restaurant.

Keep your eye out to see what captures your imagination - what's inspiring you this week?

It's always inspiring and a pleasure to visit New York - we'll see you again soon!