A Chintz by Any Other Name

Wells Design plans to bring Rose Cumming’s classic chintzes back into production
chintz
100% cotton ‘Cumming Rose’ chintz in Camel, Pink, Blue, Taupe, and Rose

The rose is celebrated for its scent, its medicinal qualities, and, of course, its beauty. Naturally, we want doses of it every day, not only in our gardens but in our decor.

Archival photo of early 19th century Rose Cumming, designer of chintz fabric patterns, wearing 1920s clothes
Rose Cumming

We have fallen back in love with the classic chintzes from Rose Cumming, the New York City decorating doyenne who introduced the fabric and paved the way for its popularity with designers like the late Mario Buatta. There is comfort and cheer in each print, and with new ownership by Lauren Hudson of Wells Design in Houston, Texas, we can expect to see more of the archives go into production.

Another lover of chintz, designer Richard Keith Langham welcomed the news: “I am thrilled this wonderful line will be preserved and celebrated. Carisbrook is one of my favorites—long live a bold chintz.” wellstextiles.com

magazine cover
This story appeared in FLOWER magazine's Sept-Oct 2020 issue.