Frank Holmes Fine Decor launches new heritage collection

Frank Holmes Fine Décor, based in Heysham, is celebrating the milestone with a range of heritage designs available for commission, including two rare architectural pieces from the Arts & Crafts period.

The company is led by Frank Holmes and his wife, Amanda, who have established a reputation for heritage decorating and restoration across Cumbria and beyond. 

Their latest collection features ‘lost’ raised relief designs no longer found on the high street.

Mr Holmes said: “Each piece has been meticulously researched and recreated to preserve these lost decorative arts for future generations.”

The first new design is an Art Deco frieze panel inspired by London’s Derry & Toms department store.

Art Deco frieze panel inspired by London’s Derry & Toms department store (Image: Patience and Gough) The panel was created by Walter Gilbert and produced by the Bromsgrove Guild in 1933, which is also known for designing the main gates at Buckingham Palace.

The frieze was originally installed above the store’s lift doors, and one of the original bronzed panels is now held in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection.

The second piece is an Art Nouveau peacock panel by artist George C. Haite, first seen as a textured wallpaper at the 1900 Paris Exposition.

Art Nouveau peacock panel by George C. Haite (Image: Supplied) Haite was among the most creative pattern designers of the so-called ‘arts and crafts’ era, with many of his designs influenced by nature and Japanese art.

The panel has been recreated by sculptor Luke Preston as a new 3D master in an offset pattern repeat, exclusively for Frank Holmes Fine Décor.

Both designs are available to order in plain white or in limited-edition finishes, including a range of metals. 

Mr Holmes said: “It’s an honour to re-imagine beautiful decor using modern, eco-friendly materials and finishes to bring timeless masterpieces back to life for discerning homeowners who want to add interesting and rare features to their period or contemporary homes.”

Ms Holmes, who manages the company’s office and archive, said she and Frank have collected rare textured wallpaper designs for many years.

She said: “Wallpaper history can be overlooked in historic interiors as it often gets lost.

“Wallpaper producers collaborated with top designers of the day, including Dr Christopher Dresser, George C. Haite and Owen W. Davis, to keep pace with fashionable trends.

“Their designs are a vital part of our architectural heritage.”

Established in 1990, Frank Holmes Fine Décor co-founded and organised the first Home Interiors & Renovation Exhibition (HIRE Cumbria) in March this year, bringing together tradespeople, designers, and property experts from across the region.

Their work has also been featured on Channel 4’s Renovation Nation.

In recognition of his contribution to the industry, Mr Holmes was named a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers in 2024.