Behind The Scenes at Farnley Hey
“It typifies the best of the 1950s in its lightness, sense of the picturesque and optimistic stance.”
English Heritage
In January 2021 we set off early one cold Wednesday morning, to drive from Manchester through the Pennines to shoot our Autumn Winter 21 campaign.
At 7 am these beautiful winding hills were hidden completely by thick fog and fallen snow from the night before. But once the sun broke its cover, the ice began to melt around our location revealing boundless fields, woodland and our destination: Farnley Hey House.
At 7 am these beautiful winding hills were hidden completely by thick fog and fallen snow from the night before. But once the sun broke its cover, the ice began to melt around our location revealing boundless fields, woodland and our destination: Farnley Hey House.
Although sitting on a typical country road, this building is anything but normal in the surrounding Yorkshire landscape.
ALISON WEARS ILZE BRA IN CHOCOLATE AND ZADIE TROUSERS IN BEIGE
Farnley Hey was designed by architect Peter Womersley in 1954 as a wedding present to his brother. It is one of the best examples of Mid-Century architecture in the UK still standing; not only lived in but very much loved.
The materials throughout the house create a huge sense of comfort and calm; from the warm and aromatic camphorwood walls to contrasting York Stone flooring on the lower floors, and plush carpet upstairs.
Alison wears Sarasi-Sue Dress in Olive and Black
ALISON WEARS NELLIE DRESS IN PEPPERCORN
Alison wears Agatha DRESS in Black
The mid-century design and furnishings of the house spoke to our clean minimalist aesthetic; classic styles to be treasured year after year. We knew it would create the perfect backdrop to our AW21 collection featuring a warm palette of almond, peppercorn and chocolate.
The house in recent years is home to two designers and their cat Sol who were the perfect hosts during our long day of shooting.
With much wonderment, we slowly explored the house, quickly realising what a truly inspiring space it must be to live in day-to-day.
Alison wears Soma-Sue TOP in Beige & Brown Marl and Zadie TROUSERS in Beige
Alison wears Talita-Tay dRESS in Tartan
Just like our factories and suppliers, we mainly work with the same few collaborators over the years to build a strong team with a clear shared vision.
With thanks to Farnley Hey & our team
Photography: Elle Brotherhood / On The Brink Studio
MUA: Jo Lorrimer Model: Alison @ Grey Model Agency
Comments