Eppie Thompson Selects

We asked embroiderer and founder of The Fabled Thread, Eppie Thompson, to select her favourite Michael O’Connell lots from our upcoming Design sale, taking place on Wednesday 18 May.

The bright colours, geometric patterns, and folk-inspired subjects in Michael O'Connell’s textile works are a perfect match for embroider Eppie Thompson. Her joyful Fabled Thread kits have taken the interiors world by storm, featuring in House & Garden, British Vogue, The Times, Homes & Gardens, and Inigo. In fact, it might be easier to list the publications she hasn’t been featured in! Knowing that Eppie draws immense inspiration from both fine art and historic textiles, we asked her to choose her five favourite Michael O’Connell lots from the collection of twenty-five being offered by Sworders, see her selection below.

Lot 475 | Abstract Blocks

£300-500

I love the unusual and bold colour pallette in this piece. The bright oranges and blue popping against the earthy tones just draws me in. It’s a piece I would love to have and live with!

Lot 430 | Figures in Queue

£300-500

The figurative elements within this relatively pared back piece are so inspiring to me. The way you can achieve such character and interest with a simple line. It’s a fun and joyful.

Lot 294 | African Totem Pole

£300-500

I love the unexpected combination of the designs within this piece. Within my own work, I am often trying to not overthink things or to let go, and this piece makes me very envious for the freedom within O'Connell's work to not stick to any obvious rules but still create a piece which is unexpectedly harmonious!

Lot 363 | Sitting Figure & Reclining Figure

£300-500

I so enjoy the mix between geometric and free form shapes in this piece. The blue and green colour palette and flash of yellow and purple is also wonderful!

Lot 367 | Leg of Ham and Objects on a Table

£800-1,200

I adore this artwork most of all. The wonderful orange popping on the blue, the flat form of it. The strong contract of colours, patterns, hard and soft. It is a dinner I would love to be at! 

Learn more about Eppie's work here The Fabled Thread

Follow her on Instagram @thefabledthread

The forthcoming Design auction will be conducted live from our Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms over two days on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 May.

View the full collection of Michael O'Connell works in the online catalogue here - 

VIEW LOTS

For more information about the sale, please contact –

John Black

johnblack@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778