Seville

Seville is the capital city of Andalusia, famous for orange trees, Flamenco and its strong affinity for the arts and architecture.

The Southern Spanish region of Andalusia has the highest population of any in Spain, and offers some of the most beautiful beaches on the coastline. Picturesque white-washed villages with cobbled streets and lively communities nestle in valleys and on hilltops, and the area is also home to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which includes the highest peak in mainland Spain, Mulhacén. It's easy to see why Birdie chose this region as her main source of inspiration and creativity for our new collection. The vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history provide endless possibilities for artistic expression, and not to mention the opportunity for (research) excursions!

Catedral de Sevilla 

The Catedral de Sevilla is an architectural masterpiece in Seville, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed over a century in Gothic and Renaissance styles, it houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus and boasts the title of one the largest Gothic cathedrals globally. Adorned with intricate altarpieces and priceless artworks, the cathedral stands as a symbol of Seville's rich cultural heritage and religious devotion. Our Capilla print, sitting across cushions and lampshades, is a tiled geometric inspired by the Capilla Mayor, which is the main chapel inside the cathedral.

The Santa Cruz District

The bustling Santa Cruz area in Seville is characterised by its intricate Moorish influences and light buildings decorated with vibrant ceramic tiles, this district was once known as the Jewish quarter of the city. Interestingly, our delicate floral Andalusia motif was taken from a Moorish inspired design, earning its revival for this collection. The floral design parallels beautifully with this area, streets are blessed with hidden courtyards and traditional balconies overflowing with flowers. Santa Cruz is nestled within the shadow of the Catedral de Sevilla and the Real Alcaázar of Seville - its one of Birdie's favourite areas showcasing an authentic Andalusia to those who are lucky enough to visit.

Plaza de España

The Plaza de España in the Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park) Seville, is a wonderful example of Spanish architectural magnificence. Designed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, its semi-circular layout features ornate bridges, colourful tiled alcoves, and a central fountain. Decorated with colourful ceramic tiles depicting Spain's provinces, it is truly a sight to behold and definitely worth a visit.

Real Alcaázar of Seville

The historic palace Real Alcázar of Seville is a testament to the city's deep past and cultural fusion, and is actually one of the oldest palaces still in use in Europe as the official residence of the Spanish royal family when in Seville. The Palace’s architectural design seamlessly blends Moorish, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, reflecting centuries of successive influences. Intricately carved stucco, ornate tilework, and majestic arches dress its halls, courtyards and lush gardens, creating a stunning tapestry of patterns and textures. An excellent location for gathering inspiration!

Casa de Pilatos 

Casa de Pilatos, nestled in the heart of Seville, is renowned for its unique blend of architectural styles including Mudejar, Renaissance, and Gothic elements. Its grandiose façade with exquisite mosaics, tiling, stone work, and lush gardens, offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its former aristocratic inhabitants - it has actually been used as as a filming location for various films and television series, including "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Game of Thrones." Our chic Mosaic Lamp is a shining example of the influence the stunning colours had on the design process, this lamp is a showstopper piece!

Córdoba

Córdoba, is a historic city not too far from Seville, renowned for its mixed cultural heritage, architectural sights and love of patios. The city holds an annual festival known as "La Fiesta de los Patios" (The Festival of the Patios). During this May festival, homeowners open their traditionally decorated Andalusian patios to the public, showcasing vibrant flowers, ceramic tile work, pottery and water features.

Palacio de Viana

Palacio de Viana is a 15th century palace situated in Córdoba, its renowned for its remarkable collection of patios and courtyards. An intriguing aspect is the palace’s status as a "living museum," where descendants of the original owners still reside, maintaining the centuries-old traditions and heritage of the palace. Additionally, Palacio de Viana houses a diverse array of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture - a home from home for Birdie!

Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Originally built as a mosque in the 8th century during the Islamic rule of the region, Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba was later converted into a Catholic cathedral in the 13th century. Therefore this cathedral boasts a blend of Moorish and Christian architecture, with the iconic horseshoe arches and intricate Islamic motifs balanced with the grandeur of Gothic and Renaissance elements often found in Christian design. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its imposing forest of columns and magnificent red-and-white striped arches - a beautiful example of cultural synthesis.

Our Cordoba Design

Cordoba is a hero motif within our collection, Andalusia, and this design finds its roots on a panel in the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba (above, right). For Birdie this motif instantly resonated with its almost contemporary look, despite the cathedral being built in the 8th century. The charming design is equal parts floral and geometric with a whimsical element, making it perfect for Spring Summer, and suitable for almost any interior design style.

“I envisaged the trailing design looking incredibly fresh featured in bold tones against an off white background, with this idea developing into our Cordoba Block Print Cushion. We felt the design should be large enough in scale to be a ‘hero’ print in the collection but one that could be easily styled within existing schemes. Alongside the block print we decided to embroider the design onto the smaller Cordoba Embroidered Velvet Cushion, and I love how this turned out. The two Cordoba cushions juxtopose with each other in a playful, textural way, that look great when layered into your sofa arrangement” 

This process of inspiration and design not only leaves each piece entirely unique and crafted with care, but infuses the essence of a captivating journey and a sense of authenticity into every item. From delicate motifs, unique home accessories and hand crafted wooden furniture, to statement lighting and soft textiles, the Andalusia Collection celebrates sun-filled days and balmy evenings - much like summer days spent in Southern Spain itself.