Overture by Lee Broom for Calico Wallpaper

Calico Wallpaper introduces Overture, a new wallpaper collection designed by renowned UK-based designer Lee Broom. In his first-ever wallpaper collaboration, Broom explores the power of drapery as illusion, continuing his exploration of theatre, sculpture, and surrealism to transform a two-dimensional medium into a three-dimensional scene.

Broom’s relationship with drapery began in childhood, during his early years as a child actor. Reflecting on this period, he shares: “Growing up in the theatre, I became very aware of the power of presentation. I was inspired by the imagination of the set designers who created a visual narrative for each production, and by their ability to enhance the emotion and experience of the entire performance.” He was captivated by their ability to construct environments that transported the audience to entirely different worlds.

This fascination with illusion has remained a central thread throughout Broom’s body of work. As a student at Central Saint Martins, he worked with curtain-making and drapery to support himself, designing avant-garde draped scenes for bars and restaurants. More recently, Broom unveiled Requiem, a limited-edition lighting collection that elevated this draping technique to a sculptural level. Created in his factory, the series features surreal light fixtures in which fluid drapery—formed in solid plaster—encapsulates glowing globes, tubes, and rings, appearing to float effortlessly in mid-air.

These formative experiences culminate in Overture. Known for their transformative collections that blur the boundary between art and décor, Calico Wallpaper was a natural partner for Broom’s first venture into wallpaper. Rachel Cope, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Calico Wallpaper, reflects on the collaboration: “Stepping into Lee’s world of theatre and illusions has been such a joy and incredibly inspiring to me personally as an artist. This collection speaks to the viewer’s sense of whimsy and imagination, offering a dramatic yet approachable piece of livable art.” She continues, “This is something we strive for in all our collections. Our team is so honored to work with Lee and see his vision come to life in this medium.”