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New Planters + Prints from Retro Print Revival

Retro Print Revival are old school, in more ways than one. We first ran a story on these guys way back in 2012 (yes!), and designer Tamara Watts just keeps surprising us each year, with a consistent output of beautiful retro-inspired lighting, homewares and accessories, beautifully crafted right here in Melbourne.

This month see the release of Retro Print Revival’s charming new ‘Arizona Planter’.

Written
by
Lucy Feagins

New designs from local lamp and planter label, Retro Print Revival (RPR). Styling – Ruth Welsby. Photo – Mike Baker.

Rocket Floor Lamp Large in ‘Freya Mustard’ and Electra Lamp in ‘Terracotta Linen’, and Rocket Floor Lamp Medium in ‘Dahlia Floral’. Styling – Ruth Welsby. Photo – Mike Baker.

The new Arizona Planter Tall beside Rocket Floor Lamp Large in ‘Tate’ print, with artwork by Bobby Clark. Styling – Ruth Welsby. Photo – Mike Baker.

The RRP campaign was shot on location at the incredible Casa Warrandyte. Styling – Ruth Welsby. Photo – Mike Baker.

Rocket Floor Lamp Medium in ‘Deep Claret Linen’, Rocket Floor Lamp Large in ‘Freya Mustard’ and Arizona Planter Tall. Styling – Ruth Welsby. Photo – Mike Baker.

Detail of the Electra Lamp in ‘Terracotta Linen’. Styling – Ruth Welsby. Photo – Mike Baker.

Disc Lamp Tall in ‘Terracotta Linen’, Rocket Table Lamp in ‘Ochre Linen’, and Electra Lamp Tall in ‘Dahlia Floral’, with artwork by Bobby Clark. Styling – Ruth Welsby. Photo – Mike Baker.

Electra Lamp in ‘Tate’, Rocket Floor Lamp Medium in ‘Freya Fern”,  and Rocket Floor Lamp Large in ‘Tate’. Styling – Ruth Welsby. Photo – Mike Baker.

RPR foundered Tamara Watts, killing it in print (of course!). Styling – Ruth Welsby. Photo – Mike Baker.

Writer
Lucy Feagins
20th of December 2017

With a background in visual merchandising and interior decoration, designer Tamara Watts never really imagined she’d be doing what she’s doing now. ‘I never in a million years dreamt that I would be designing lamps and planters and making a business out of it’ the designer admits. After completing her studies, a styling job at Country Road proved a great foundation for her future business – ‘Each day was so varied, power drills to painting, prop making to dressing mannequins, it was so much fun,’ Tamara recalls.

Retro Print Revival was born after Tamara bought a huge stash of a vintage fabric at a market just out of Melbourne. ‘It was one of those ‘I’ll do something with these one day’ purchases,’ Tamara remembers. She made a lampshade for a friend, then another, then another. Then, in 2009, she left her job in visual merchandising, and she’s been running her own business for almost a decade now!

Working from a shared studio space in Brunswick, Tamara sources all her materials locally, and employs local craftsman to create her wares. ‘We are big on supporting local makers, and other small business’ she explains. ‘Most of our makers are one-man businesses that run from their garage’.

This month, Tamara releases another perfect addition to her growing home accessories collection. Her timber ‘Arizona Planters‘ come with either tall or short legs, and make such a cheerful, nostalgia-tinged addition to any space!

In addition, Tamara has just released an extensive collection of new bespoke prints for her popular lamp designs. ‘There are just so many possibilities with textile design!’ the designer enthuses. ‘Really, I just make what I love, and I am so grateful that other people love it too.’

 

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