LOVING: Florence Broadhurst

Never one to walk past a bit of Florence Broadhurst, I was stopped dead in my tracks on Sunday at the Old Bus Depot markets in Kingston. A small collection of canvases covered in Florencey goodness had caught my attention. Nicola Gallagher, new to Canberra via Melbourne and originally Liverpool (the English one!), started Canvas Wall as an antidote to an upholstery habit made impossible by lack of space in her small apartment...

"In Liverpool I studied art and design years ago .. then later on I studied upholstery which I loved ...went through a big phase making screens and renovating tired, unwanted furniture. Not in nicey nice fabric though ... its all about big bold colours and designs. Hence Florence Broadhurst fits in my hands and eyes perfectly. "

"After watching a documentary in melbourne a couple of years ago about her private and working life, featuring her friends and employees - i developed an urge to use Florence's fabric designs. "

"I like working with canvases because I can play with shapes, sizes, multiples and mix n match patterns. "
In addition to the canvases, Nicola also makes the cutest little purses and sells Broadhurst printed Tshirts.

Now that you want to know more about Florence Broadhurst, Nicola recommends the biographical documentary Unfolding Florence , available on DVD... as an absolute must. "Florence Broadhurst was an amazing, inspirational Australian Icon who deserves to have a lot more recognition ... what a woman!"

"At the moment I am only selling these at the Bus Depot Market here in Canberra on Sundays - But soon I am hoping to have a web presence, and maybe a cafe or two ... any offers? "
Email Nicola at canvaswall@hotmail.com