Margaret’s Rose

“La Mort Parfumee” (Perfumed Death)

(Clothing label for Sheenore Fabrics)

I’ve been enamored with Margaret Macdonald’s work since I discovered a box of stationary based on some of her designs many years ago. In particular, I’m drawn to her rose patterns, and play around with simplistic versions of her roses in my own crafty projects. I thought I’d seen all of Margaret’s work until I found this comprehensive collection of her pieces, many of which are multi-media panel installations using gesso plaster, glass beads and shells. From pieces like this, you can really see how she influenced Klimt.

Print & Pattern recently posted a new wallpaper design by Graham & Brown called “MacKintosh Rose” – even though it’s based more on Margaret’s rose patterns than those of her famous husband, Charles Mackintosh. I like the geometry, giving it a modern twist. If I wasn’t so adverse to the toxicity of wallpaper vinyl and ink, I’d paper a wall or two. (Although, I’d rather it red with iridescent gold like the wallpaper from Amelie’s Parisian bedroom.)