We are delighted to shine the spotlight on Blackpop, a design studio that has become synonymous with maximalist, museum-inspired designs, in this blog post. 

Founded by Maxine Hall, and celebrating 14 years in the design world, Blackpop have carved out a distinctive niche in the world of luxury interiors. Their creations, which are celebrated for their bold patterns, vibrant colours, and intricate textures, draw inspiration from historical masterpieces, and come together in unexpected and impactful ways. This approach aligns perfectly with the opulence and boldness of the Museum collections.

In collaboration with Sir John Soane’s Museum, Blackpop has created its most opulent and dramatic work to date. Directly reworking architects’ drawings, paintings, and objects of art the Collectors Collection, inspired by the Museum, consists of six wallpaper and fabric designs, along with two hand-woven rugs, each with its own unique story. 

The Inspiration Behind Argo Navis

One of the latest additions to the Blackpop collection this year is the Argo Navis range, which includes stunning digital art, fabrics, and wallpaper. The design takes inspiration from Soane’s Museum, blending elements from the William Owen portrait of Soane, Robert Adam’s designs, Canaletto’s evocative views and the Museum’s architecture. The result is a captivating mix of historical references and modern design that resonates with the Soane ethos.

Maxine Hall, Designer and Director of Blackpop, explains their design philosophy and process:

‘A couple of my highlights were reworking two of Adam’s illustrations that never came to realisation until now, these have been embedded in ‘Fresco’. The other was working with and taking out segments from Canaletto’s paintings of Venice and reassembling them for the background of ‘Capriccio’."
 

"Our design approach isn’t to copy existing motifs; it’s a creative process of dismantling and creating something utterly daring and unique.’’
An intricate neoclassical design featuring symmetrical scrollwork, floral motifs, and decorative garlands in muted tones of gold, blue, and red on a cream background. The pattern includes framed cameo-style medallions with classical figures, ornate urns, and a domed structures A classical painting depicting St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy. The scene shows the tall Campanile bell tower at the center, surrounded by historic buildings including the ornate façade of St. Mark’s Basilica on the left. The square is populated with small groups of people in period clothing, market stalls, and carriages, under a bright sky with scattered clouds. A traditional portrait of a seated figure, Sir John Soane, in formal attire, holding an open book with architectural drawings. The setting includes a wooden chair, a desk with a quill and inkwell, and additional books stacked nearby. The background is dark, emphasizing the subject and the detailed objects in the foreground.

Images above (left to right): Giuseppe Manocchi, design for an ornamental grotesque panel, 1765-66. Photographer: Ardon Bar-Hama © Sir John Soane’s Museum, London | Canaletto (1697 - 1768), Piazza San Marco © Sir John Soane’s Museum, London | William Owen (1769-1825), John Soane, 1804 (oil on canvas) © Sir John Soane's Museum 

To delve deeper into this inspiring collection, we spoke with Kate Vandor, Retail and Buying Manager at Sir John Soane’s Museum, who shares her insights on how Blackpop’s work brings new life to the Museum and creates conversation pieces for any interior.

"I am consistently impressed by how Blackpop are able to creatively marry bold patterns with historical depth,’ says Kate. 

"The Argo Navis collection, in particular, is a perfect example of their ability to combine tradition with contemporary flair. The colours, textures, and overall design are so striking. It’s a collection that feels luxurious and contemporary but with deep rooted historical references."

When asked about the design process behind Blackpop’s work, Kate reflected:

"Maxine and Paula have an exceptional eye for how to blend texture and pattern. The cotton velvet on their Argo Navis cushions is so tactile, and the faux silk on their scarves feels luxurious yet wearable, while the vibrant digital art prints truly transform spaces. I think the combination of historical imagery with modern techniques creates pieces that can fit in any room while telling a story."

Two decorative cushions stacked on a wooden chair against a textured wall with faded green and blue paint. The cushions feature vibrant, abstract patterns with dominant colors of blue, orange, and red, incorporating circular motifs and layered designs. The chair has a curved backrest with vertical slats, and the overall setting has a rustic, artistic feel. Two decorative cushions placed on a patterned rug. The cushion on the left has an abstract design with vibrant colors including purple, pink, gold, and white, resembling a distorted painting. The cushion on the right features a layered, textured pattern with turquoise, orange, and dark blue tones, incorporating circular and geometric motifs. The rug underneath has muted shades of blue, beige, and rust with floral and medallion designs.

Images above: Argo Navis cushions © Blackpop

The Making of Argo Navis

The Argo Navis collection is designed in Derbyshire and printed on British cotton velvet in the UK, ensuring that every piece is crafted with care and attention to detail. The pieces are as much about craftsmanship as they are about bold design, with each design representing the intricate and rich layers found in Soane’s collection.

Sustainability also plays a crucial role in Blackpop’s production process, with the use of sustainable inks and the careful selection of materials that meet high standards for both beauty and environmental impact. As  Kate explains, the blend of historical narrative and contemporary design that Blackpop brings is a perfect complement to the Soane Museum’s ethos:"It’s all about creating something that resonates with the past but also feels fitting today. Every product in this collection has a story behind it, and each piece invites the viewer to engage with Soane’s legacy in a way that’s fresh, exciting, and approachable."

A piece of textile with vibrant, abstract patterns with dominant colors of blue, orange, and red, incorporating circular motifs and layered designs

Image above: Argo Navis fabric © Blackpop 

A Shared Vision: Sir John Soane’s Museum x Blackpop

The Argo Navis collection is just one of several collaborations between Blackpop and the Museum, with Blackpop creating a range of exclusive fabrics, wallpapers, and homeware inspired by the Museum’s rich collection - including one of our favourites, the Neo 13 Wallpaper, which is digitally printed in the UK using eco-friendly inks, free from formaldehyde, and available on high-quality, coated non-woven paper.

‘The connection between Blackpop and Soane’s Museum feels so relevant as both celebrate the importance of detail and history in design,’ adds Kate. ‘It’s about making spaces feel vibrant and alive, while honouring the past."

"What I love about this collaboration is that it brings the Museum’s art, architecture, and design heritage to life in such a unique and dynamic way."

Whether you’re drawn to the bold patterns of the Argo Navis cushions or the Neo 13 design, the sustainable luxury of the velvet fabrics, or the timeless appeal of the Blackpop wallpaper, this collection brings a unique opportunity to incorporate the Museum’s history into contemporary interiors. We look forward to continuing this inspiring collaboration with Blackpop, as they continue to push boundaries and create new ways to live with art and design.

An abstract artwork featuring a collage of fragmented architectural drawings, classical figures, and ornate golden details scattered across a muted green background. A large, colorful textile artwork displayed on a stone wall within a vaulted architectural space. The artwork features an abstract design with layered patterns in vivid shades of orange, blue, white, and black, incorporating geometric and organic shapes A luxurious interior featuring a yellow-painted room with a white marble fireplace and ornate gold-framed mirror above it. In the foreground, an Eames-style swivel chair with a matching footstool is upholstered in vibrant turquoise fabric with intricate, abstract patterns. Several decorative cushions with similar colorful designs are scattered on the patterned carpet. To the right, an antique high-back chair with dark wood legs and richly patterned upholstery adds a contrasting style. A crystal chandelier h

Images above (left to right): Neo 13 Wallpaper (Printed in the UK by the team at Blackpop) © Blackpop | Argo Navis © Blackpop | Collectors Collection designs © Blackpop

Explore the full range online.

 

Banner image: Collectors Collection designs © Blackpop