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.

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

Size: 50x50cm / 19.69"x19.69"
Front: Carnival Aubergine by Michael Szell with hand embroidery by Alice Kettle
Back: Malmedy Linen Ecru
Detail: Cotton embroidery & Circus Piping Ruby

About the Artists

Michael Szell's textiles are as exuberant as the designer's life. Arriving in London from Hungary in the post-war years, Szell studied at the Royal College of Art, quickly finding his métier in flamboyant colours, maximalist patterns and oversized motifs.

Alice Kettle is internationally recognised for her expressive embroidered works, where stitch becomes a form of drawing. Her intuitive, painterly approach transforms textiles into narrative surfaces, with works held in major collections including the V&A. In this collaboration, her hand reinterprets the printed design, bringing depth, individuality and an artisanal presence to each piece.