The Carnival Cushion brings together archival design and contemporary artistry, featuring Michael Szell’s iconic ‘Carnival’ print, a vibrant botanical composition of pomegranates that celebrates abundance, colour and decorative richness. Expressive and layered, the design carries a sense of movement and folkloric charm, making it a striking focal point within an interior.

Each cushion is hand embroidered by renowned textile artist Alice Kettle, whose distinctive, free-flowing stitch work brings a new dimension to the design. Using cotton thread, her intuitive, painterly embroidery overlays the print with texture and narrative, transforming each piece into a one-of-a-kind work that sits between textile and art.

The reverse is crafted in Malmedy linen in ecru, offering a calm, textural counterpoint to the richly detailed front. The cushion is finished with Circus piping in aubergine, framing the design with a bold yet refined edge that enhances its depth of colour.

Each cushion is cut at random to minimise fabric waste, ensuring no two are exactly alike. For those seeking a specific placement of the pattern, a bespoke service is available upon request (please note this may affect pricing and lead times).

US & EU: Cushion covers only
UK: Includes feather insert

Size: 50 x 50 cm
Front: Carnival print by Michael Szell with hand embroidery by Alice Kettle
Back: Malmedy linen in ecru
Detail: Cotton embroidery & Circus piping in aubergine

About the Artist – Alice Kettle

Alice Kettle is a British textile artist internationally recognised for her expressive, hand-stitched works that blur the boundary between fine art and embroidery. Known for her intuitive use of line and thread, her practice combines storytelling with richly layered surfaces, often drawing on themes of landscape, memory and human connection. Her work is held in major collections including the V&A, and her collaboration brings a unique, artisanal dimension to each embroidered cushion.