“The queen of wallpaper”
The Sunday Times
“What has made her designs so distinct and so covetable is their apparent freedom.”
RA Magazine
This exhibition explores Armitage’s distinctive approach to pattern making in wallpaper and fabric design. The child of Dutch parents, Marthe is renowned for her hand-drawn, hand-printed patterns created in her Chiswick studio. Now aged 95, she is one of Britain’s most beloved designers and is celebrated for the intricate and imaginative detail that still imbues her work, and the expert craftmanship of her practice.
As the title suggests, Pattern Maker traces Armitage’s artistic process — from initial sketches, tracings and lino blocks to finished wallpapers and textiles — revealing the journey behind each work.
Her designs are rooted in the landscapes, riverbanks, and architectural details of her local Chiswick surroundings — where she and her family have lived since 1939 — and translate the familiar, such as a chestnut tree or an angelica plant into the fantastical, transforming everyday scenes into immersive decorative worlds.
This focused exhibition brings together original drawings and tracings, prints, archival material, and large-scale installed wallpapers and fabric, offering an intimate insight into the life and work of an artist whose designs have quietly shaped British interiors for more than half a century. At Pitzhanger, Armitage’s celebration of craft and place finds an appropriate, resonant setting, echoing Sir John Soane’s own passion for pattern, narrative, and the handmade.
“A doyenne of wallpaper and fabric design.”
APOLLO Magazine
“A beloved British designer of nature-inspired, hand-drawn wallpapers and fabrics.”
Financial Times
“You need to see this”
ArtFund
“Pick of the spring”
Country Life
“An exceptional creator on our doorstep.”
The Chiswick Calendar
Also recommended by
The London Standard
Cultural Wednesday
FLO London
ianVisits
House & Garden
19 March – 19 July 2026
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ
Access with general admission
Enjoy flexible admission during the following times:
1 April 2026, 9–10am
8 and 9 April 2026, 10am–2pm (drop-in)
7 May 2026, 4.40–5.30pm, and 6.30–7.30pm
Get free, unlimited entry to Pitzhanger and invitations to exclusive Members events while supporting the work of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery.
More info+44 (0) 20 3985 8888, pitzhanger@pitzhanger.org.uk
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Categories Art Exhibitions
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This exhibition explores Armitage’s distinctive approach to pattern making in wallpaper and fabric design.
More infoThe summer exhibition will see a multitude of works by British artist Clare Woods RA installed throughout the historic manor and its galleries.
More info
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ
Ticketing, Opening Hours and Tour Enquiries: foh@pitzhanger.org.uk
Retail Enquires: retail@pitzhanger.org.uk
Reception: 020 3985 8888
Venue Hire: 020 3994 0966
Office: 020 3994 0967
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
First Thursday of the month: 10:00 - 20:00
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Bank Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00
Last admissions one hour before closing
Partial Closure: 25 April, 12–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 12–5pm on 25 April for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Pitzhanger Gallery closes at 6pm on 7 May
Please note that Pitzhanger Gallery will close to General Admission visitors from 6pm on Thursday 7 May for the Phoebe Collings-James in Conversation event. If you would like to visit Phoebe Collings-James: a rose, a bridge, a house, please arrive before 6pm or book a ticket for the artist talk. Pitzhanger Manor and other open areas remain accessible during our usual Thursday Late opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 9 May, 11am–1pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 11am–1pm on 9 May for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 22 May, 1–5pm
Please note that Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 1–5pm on 22 May for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 24 May, 1–5pm
Please note that the Upper Drawing Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 1–5pm on 24 May for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 30 May, 1–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 1–5pm on 30 May for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
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