Birdie Fortescue's eponymous interiors haven is the result of a journey that started in London in the late 1980s. Having worked through the UK and USA for Colefax & Fowler during her 20's, Birdie went on to gain a reputation as an antiques dealer specialising in continental furniture.
In 2014 Birdie took on a Victorian warehouse in Burnham Market as a Norfolk base for her burgeoning antiques business. As the building was so large Birdie decided to transform the space into an interiors destination where antique furniture could sit alongside homeware and art.
Birdie designed her first collection of block printed soft furnishings for Spring/Summer 2016. The success of this range prompted subsequent collections launched on a twice yearly basis. Birdie’s first ranges comprised block printed table linens, cushions and rugs and gradually developed to include lighting, decorative accessories and furniture.
Birdie’s lifelong love of travel is at the heart of her design process. Trips in Asia, Africa and Europe inspire colour palettes, prints and patterns and provide valuable sources for hand-picked Curated and Limited Edition products. Birdie also works with artisans and craftspeople across the globe who specialise in traditional skills and making methods.
Birdie also continues to take on residential and commercial interior design projects in the UK and abroad. Sourcing exceptional antique furniture is one of her specialities and she and her small team work on a versatile range of projects throughout the year.
New for Spring Summer 2023, we welcome the Florentine collection. This considered and timeless collection is a deeply meaningful one for Birdie. A love letter to Florence, the collection was born after Birdie visited the fascinating city where her daughter, Lydia, was studying fine art.
Florentine is a celebration of architectural design and decoration found across the city. From wrought ironwork on balconies and balustrades, marble inlay on floors and facades, to the faded frescoes in churches and palazzi - the Florentine collection presents a clean and contemporary take on classical embellishment and detail.
Like all visitors to Florence, Birdie was struck by the extraordinary light; from the startling brightness of the midday sun to the soft translucency of early morning and evening. The rich and varying hues of Tuscany inspired the soft colour palette of the new collection. Cameo pinks, leafy greens and soft blues are at the heart of the Florentine collection, providing a gentle backdrop to Spring Summer living. Timeless geometrics and whimsical floral designs, block printed by hand, feature across cushions, lampshades and table linens. These colourful textiles balance perfectly with the collection's new range of Mid Century inspired rattan furniture with organic form and clean lines.
Florentine encapsulates alfresco dining and contemporary living, with playful touches and textural accents. The thoughtful curation of this collection has been designed to complement modern day life, bringing with it a sense of wanderlust and nostalgia for Italian summers.
We hope you love Florentine.
