LIBERTY UNVEILS ARCHIVAL EXHIBITION: I AM. WE ARE. LIBERTY.
A CELEBRATION OF 150 YEARS OF ART, CULTURE, AND DESIGN
8 May 2025
Liberty unveils I Am. We Are. Liberty. a landmark in-store exhibition offering a rare and unique opportunity to explore one of the most significant and expansive design archives in the United Kingdom. Marking Liberty’s 150-year anniversary, the exhibition shines a light on the creative spirit and wide-ranging cultural influences that have shaped and contributed to the retailer and design house since its foundation in 1875.
Housed in the heart of Liberty’s renowned Tudor-style building on Regent Street, the exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into the 60,000-piece living Liberty archive - much of which has never before been viewed by the public. From original artworks, textile designs, and pattern books, to rare print journeys and artefacts collated since the 1800s, the exhibition brings together over 300 highlight archival pieces and Liberty design references, presenting a rare opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of Liberty’s creative legacy.
Curated by acclaimed art historian Ester Coen, I Am. We Are. Liberty. reflects the enduring relevance of Liberty’s artistic identity. Leveraging decades of curatorial expertise and extensive knowledge regarding avant-garde artistic movements, Coen worked closely with the Liberty team to shape a narrative that traces the evolution of Liberty’s house codes and cultural significance - exploring four key Liberty themes: Genesis, Nature, People, and DNA.
Structured as a journey through Liberty’s past, the exhibition invites visitors to enter a vivid timeline chronicling 150 years of Liberty. Beginning with a nod to the Genesis of the brand’s deep-rooted fascination with global culture and history, references to Egyptian artefacts and Tudor motifs sit alongside those of classical antiquity, amongst others. Throughout the exhibition, Liberty’s print, pattern, and colour development is shown to be in constant dialogue with the world around it.
At the centre of the exhibition is Liberty’s relationship with Nature, a defining element of its aesthetic and philosophy. From floral motifs to organic forms, the natural world has been Liberty’s most enduring muse, and this section showcases the breadth of its influence across textiles, fashion and interiors.
The journey continues to focus on People - the creatives who shaped and were shaped by Liberty. From the writings of Oscar Wilde, to the prints worn by music legends such as David Bowie and The Beatles, the exhibition spotlights Liberty’s unique position at the intersection of culture and commerce.
The exhibition concludes in a projection room - bringing together Liberty’s past, present and future in a short film that is both nostalgic and future-thinking. A series of rarely seen archival images are also presented, shedding further light on the history behind Liberty’s fabric development.
“I Am. We Are. Liberty. opens to the public as a celebration of Liberty’s past, present, and future, as we mark 150 years this year. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the inner workings of our design house, which is constantly delving into the archive to inspire the designs of today. Our history is an essential part of our eclectic identity - I Am. We Are. Liberty. is an homage to this treasured community of lovers of spirited design and craft, and creators who have defined our journey to the present day.” - Andrea Petochi, Managing Director at Liberty
"This exhibition is a love letter to Liberty’s creative heritage” says Coen. “The archive is a living document of artistic expression - from the designers and makers who contributed to it, to the people who wore, lived with, and loved it. You step into a world of colour, imagination, and invention that continues to evolve today.”
A gift shop runs alongside the exhibition, featuring a curated selection of limited-edition anniversary collectibles and a dedicated I Am. We Are. Liberty. fashion fabrics collection, comprising eleven new designs inspired by the archival works on show. Recent homeware and accessories collections are also available to shop, alongside a library area featuring recent book launches - Liberty: Design. Pattern. Colour. by Kassia St. Clair, and The History of Liberty Fashion by Anna Buruma.
Continuing its journey this summer, I Am. We Are. Liberty. will be transported to the UK Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan from August 2025.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Opening Times: 09 May - 25 July 2025. Monday-Saturday: 10:00-20:00 / Sunday: 12:00-18:00
Address: 4th Floor, Liberty, Regent Street, Carnaby, London, W1B 5AH, United Kingdom.
#Liberty150Years | @LibertyLondon | www.libertylondon.com
ABOUT LIBERTY
Liberty is a movement dedicated to discovery, animated by arts, culture, design and the pursuit of beauty. Liberty is famed for its original curation, directional design and celebration of craftsmanship. In the spirit of our founder, Arthur Lasenby Liberty, Liberty remains unapologetically eccentric and committed to bringing good design to all.
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liberty@camronglobal.com