All Bonfield’s cushions are block-printed by the artists in the Bonfield workshop. Central to the whole operation is their trusty 1904 proofing press. The process is intensive but we feel the results are worth it.

Each block-printed cushion is unique! Although cushions may be of the same dimensions and shape, and feature the same design, the nature of block-printing means no two will be identical. In terms of colour-ways, Bonfield sticks to their muted palette of ‘Blue grey’, ‘Carbon black’, ‘Elizabethan ochre’, ‘Midnight blue’ and ‘Venetian red’. Please note that all designs are available to order in any of these colour-ways.

Bonfield prints predominantly on a high quality, tightly-woven Russian linen.

How they're made

The chosen fabric is washed before printing (to allow for shrinkage and to remove any sizing) and then ironed. Once this is done, it is laid on the bed of the press to await the inked block. Linseed-based relief ink is mixed by hand to the desired colour before being applied to the block (using an artist's hand-roller). The inked block is then carefully placed face-down onto the fabric, before the press's heavy cylinder roller is passed over it. The block is gently removed to reveal the design on the fabric.

The printed textile is taken away to cure (dry); it's then whisked up to Bonfield’s sewing room to be cut to size and transformed into a charming cushion cover. Most cushions are backed in a natural jute hemp with a raw edge, before a block-printed maker's label is finally sewn on. Depending on the design, sometimes an embroidered maker's label is used.

Care instructions

Being block-printed, the cushions should be used with relative care (cushion fights a no-no!). The pad (100% cotton and filled with duck feathers) is easily removed so the cover can be washed. Bonfield recommends gentle hand-washing in lukewarm water using a small amount of silk/wool laundry liquid. The block-printed cover can be ironed on a warm setting, with muslin between the iron and cover.