Shapero Modern will commemorate the 125th anniversary of Oscar Wilde's death (16 October 1854 - 30 November 1900) with a special selling exhibition by designer and historian Rory Hutton. Opening on 30 November 2025 at 94 New Bond Street, London, the show will run until the end of January.
Dublin-born Hutton draws inspiration from Wilde's celebrated essay The House Beautiful, in which Wilde articulated his philosophy on art, decoration, and the role of beauty in everyday life. Known for his linocut-inspired prints and luxury accessories, Hutton reinterprets these ideas through bold new works and limited-edition designs.
The exhibition also reflects Wilde's influences, from Gilbert & Sullivan's operetta Patience - a satire of the aesthetic movement - to William Morris's famous dictum: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." The final piece pays tribute to Wilde's legendary deathbed remark about his wallpaper, a poignant reminder of his eye for beauty until the very end.
"Oscar Wilde has been an influence on my work for as long as I can remember," says Hutton. "The House Beautiful gave me permission to embrace decoration and pattern as a serious pursuit. In many ways, this exhibition is my way of saying thank you to him."
Hutton's connection to Wilde is both artistic and personal: "I was born just a stone's throw from Wilde's childhood home in Dublin. Growing up in Ireland, where history and storytelling are woven into daily life, I have always felt a kinship with his world."
The exhibition will feature:
- Eight silk scarf designs
- Giclée prints of Hutton's Wilde-inspired linocuts
- A specially designed fan
- A curated selection of books reflecting the theme
Prices range from £90 for prints to £500 for larger works. A highlight of the programme will be A Wilde Evening with Rory Hutton on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.