Florence Broadhurst

 For those not acquainted with this feisty broad, she was the go-to girl back in the day for amazing wallpaper. But Broadhurst was so much more than just pretty paper on a wall; the lady knew how to live and live it large. In the course of her 78 year life, Broadhurst changed her name three times, was a singer and dancer in India, founded a performing arts academy in Shanghai, owned a designer boutique in London’s Bond Street and operated a trucking company in Sydney.

It was during the 1960s and 1970s however, that her talent shone brightly as a wallpaper designer, bringing her Sydney studio international success. Her tropical upbringing in country Queensland heavily influenced her exotic designs, proving to stand out amongst the stiff and stale wallpaper of the times. Her full life came to a tragic end when in 1977 she was murdered in her studio. The murder remains unsolved today.

Broadhurst’s colourful legacy goes beyond the art world, with her flamboyant prints making their way into the collections of Australian fashion designers. Known as a style maven of her day, Broadhurst’s patterns are a favorite for Australian fashion magician Akira, and have also been used by Nicole Zimmerman and Karen Walker. Her paintings and patterns are a cool collector’s item with Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Carly Simon all owning a piece of Broadhurst’s brilliance.
This little story was written by Penylane at THEVINE

She lead an amazingly colorful life,  traveled the world, created things she loved, and never stopped learning along the way. She is an inspiration and I LOVE her work.

You can find Florence Broadhurst Wallpapers at Signature Prints  you can also find her Rugs HERE