The Liberty of London Fabric Store was started by Arthur Liberty in the mid-1800's. He was born in Chesham, Buckinghamshire and was employed at Messrs Farmer and Rogers in Regent Street for 10 years before starting his own business. He believed he could change the look of fashion. Although he started with ornaments, fabric and objets d'art from Japan and the East, Liberty of London Fabric soon became known for fine quality goods, not only from Japan but eventually from around the world, including Java, India, Indochina, and Persia. He applied the styles of the East to English fabrics and became known for both clothing and furnishings. His stores became the place to shop. By the late 1800's, Arthur Liberty became important in the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements. This influence is still reflected in the designs used for luxury quilts and furnishing.

Our "Liberty of London Resources" section has a variety of sites that carry these designer fabrics. Liberty of London is especially known for smaller prints and beautiful hand-block printing, manufactured in cottons, silks, velvets, and wools. Quilts being made today are not limited to cotton fabrics. Mixing textures often introduces a handcrafted look. Using both contemporary and traditional patterns, Liberty of London Fabric is known for beauty, luxury. and creativity. Quilters looking for unusual patterns and hand-block printing often use these contemporary fabrics in quilts meant for display on the walls.