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Design and fine art are two very different things but when looking at Birtwell's  work, it's hard to understand why design is rarely written about and discussed in the same way. Birtwell's textile design not only correlates directly and clearly to art history, it also takes into account the way in which florals and chintz, for example, have been read and used for centuries – and on top of that it exemplifies a good designer's ability to solidify and influence an idea into a creation that is wearable and desirable. Such products are a vehicle for any amount of histories and conversations.

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