Vintage Heals Bark Cloth Fabric 1976 Designed by Jyoti Bhomik

Pomona Fabric Designer Jyoti Bhomik

Some weeks ago I opened a vintage suitcase that had been stored in my mothers attic since the 1970's.

I could not remember what was in the case as it had languished under my stairs for ages but I knew it had fabric inside.  I was pleasantly surprised to find some Heal's bark cloth which has not been touched since our return from a London trip in the summer of 1967.  I only dimly remember staying at a funny B&B where you had to be out of your room all day!

The edge of the fabric is marked "Heals Pomona Designed by Jyoti Bhomik Shrink Resisting Woven and Printed in England"  I decided to embark upon a research task to find out about the designer and the pattern.

Easy?  Just Google it!

I found on Heal's own website some useful information about the designer.  He was born in India, trained as a graphic designer and worked as a technician in the silk printing department of the Central School for Art and Design and designed exclusively for Heal's in the 1960's  Heal's are using some of his design elements in bed linen available now, which shows how well the designs relate to today's living.

I also found some information on the website of the  V&A Museum.  They have some of the Jyoti Bhomik fabric in their collection which was given to them by Heal's.  However no trace of the design Pomona.

As you may well imagine I am quite excited by this.  Does this mean the few yards I have are rare?

I have phoned the V&A to see if they can help me with my research and I am waiting for them to call me back.  I might also try Heal's as they may well have an archive I can access.

I think the fabric is gorgeous and it would look fabulous made into modern soft furnishings.  It will not be folded up and put back into the suitcase to be stored in the attic, its something that should be enjoyed and appreciated.

I wonder when Jyoti Bhomik designed the piece if he could have know that nearly fifty years later it would look just as fresh for todays living spaces.

If you have any comments or information about this fabric then get in touch would love to hear from you.

This item published originally on my Wordpress blog in October 2013