Zoffany have introduced a number of innovative new techniques in bringing the Nureyev Collection to life, sympathetically and effectively interpreting archive documents dating back as gat as the early 18th Century. By playing with scale, experimenting with new finishes and re-colouring in vibrant, unexpected colour combinations, Nureyev has been infused with elements of modernity, whilst remaining a classically beautiful collection of damask weaves and wallpapers.

The new range of weaves comprises six designs ranging from Nureyev, a magnificent statement piece in glowing contemporary colour combinations, to the Rococo style Villiers with its ombre stripe background and romantic, harmonious hues. To enhance the characteristics of the original archive documents and to give the collection a touch of modern appeal, metallic overprints have been applied and scale has been manipulated to dramatic effect. Reproduced using traditional looms, classic yarn combinations and other more contemporary weave techniques, the collection is rich, highly textured and incredibly luxurious.

The Nureyev wallpaper collection comprises eight designs; some printed using long established methods and other achieved by state of the art technologies. Metallic and iridescent inks have been applied to give rich, contemporary backgrounds and elsewhere, the effects of tooled leather, flocking silk and linen have all been achieved within the collection. Designed to compliment the weaves, the complexities and textures of the fabrics have been translated beautifully onto the wallpapers with two of the papers designed in a wide width in order to retain the scale of the fabric. Rather than slavishly following the colourways of the weaves, the collection comes in an array of shades from soft neutrals to vibrant brights.

The archive document that inspired the lead design and name of the collection originates from the Parisian home of the famous ballet dancer, Rudolf Nureyev, Purchased by Zoffany at the Nureyev sale held in Christies in 1995, the scrolling and twisting acanthus leaves of this silk panel make it an undeniably stunning design. It has inspired a collection of drama, elegance and above all, originality; a fitting homage to its namesake.