In Sybil Connolly's House

The late fashion designer Sybil Connolly has long intrigued me. I first learned of her while employed by Tiffany & Co., with whom she collaborated on various tableware items including one of my favorite china patterns, Mrs. Delany's Flowers. A few of the Tiffany & Co. books also piqued my interest in her, especially those that showed glimpses of her Dublin home. But I have to say that I appreciate her even more now that I've read In an Irish House, a book written by Connolly that profiles some of the prettiest houses in Ireland including that of Connolly.

Connolly famously lived at 71 Merrion Square, Dublin in an 18th c. home that housed both her couture studio as well as her private home. (Connolly, by the way, opened the first couture studio in Ireland.) As you can see, the interiors were filled with all kinds of treasures from antique furniture to porcelain to floral wallpapers and fabrics. It's obvious after looking at the photos that Connolly not only had a love of pretty things but an appreciation for the past as well. A woman after my own heart.

Who knows? Maybe it's time for a Sybil Connolly revival. Actress Gillian Anderson recently wore a stunning vintage Connolly gown for the Bafta awards, something that will hopefully bring greater attention to the late designer.



The door leading to her Merrion Square home.



A view of Connolly's bedroom. The fruitwood daybed was early 19th c. French.



Connolly chose the wallpaper and fabric because they matched the pattern found on her antique Angoulême china, seen on the mantelpiece.



In addition to designing for Brunschwig & Fils and Tiffany & Co., Connolly also worked with Martex. The set of sheets is one of her designs.



A closer look at the Angoulême inspired wallpaper.




The drawing room. The chintz that covered the sofa and chairs was one of Connolly's designs for Brunschwig, a pattern inspired by the work of Mrs. Delany.



The sitting room in Connolly's mews house. The sofa's chintz was designed by Sybil Connolly for Robert Allen.




Connolly's charming kitchen with its 19th c. blue and white Delft tile.



A linen cupboard filled with Porthault linen as well as Connolly's homemade potpourri.



All images from In an Irish House.