Are we about to enter the third era of Egyptomania?

Part I of the world’s fascination with ancient Egypt was in the early 19th century, when Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign made obelisks and pyramids de rigueur as architectural ornament. Part II came in the Twenties, with the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, a source of inspiration for designers during the Art Deco period. Are we on the verge of a third wave? Later this year, the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, by Heneghan Peng Architects, is due to open just a stone’s throw from the Giza pyramids. And this year also marks the 200th anniversary of archaeologist Jean-François Champollion using the Rosetta Stone to decipher ancient hieroglyphics.

This has not gone unnoticed by Soane’s Lulu Lytle (who studied Egyptology at University College London), and French fabric house Pierre Frey. Both are launching textile collections – plus furniture and lighting, in the case of Soane – inspired by ancient Egypt. Pierre Frey’s collection is by French artist-designer Louis Barthélemy (pictured with his work), who has long been inspired by ancient culture and crafts. Earlier this year, he launched a range of tiles that explored this theme with the bathroom company Balineum.

soane.co.uk | pierrefrey.com | louisbarthelemy.com | balineum.co.uk