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    • Jul 16, 2021

Dannells Digital Lampshade Printing with Tide and Isle

As well as being specialists in all things lampshades, did you know at Dannells we are print specialists too? By combining our knowledge and expertise of the two, we're able to print unique artwork and illustrations directly onto fabrics selected for their suitability for lampshade making.


And what better way to celebrate the success of our printing service, by showing off the fantastic lampshades of Tide and Isle, a new venture by long-time lampshade maker Lucy Lo-Vel, using the beautifully detailed sketches and drawings of her grandfather.


Working closely with the Dannells printing department, Lucy has brought these original artworks back to life and into people's homes, telling his story and that of his beloved Lundy Island, off the coast of North Devon.


Tell us about your new creative venture ‘Tide and Isle’?

Tide & Isle was born from a desire to celebrate and share my Grandfather's work, because he was a very talented man who I am immensely proud of, and also to share my love for Lundy, the Island where I grew up. I am lucky to have many of my Grandad's original artworks from which I can make copies (and the copyright to do so). As well as the knowledge behind the views to also tell the story of the history of the Island too.


How do you feel about bringing your Grandfather's artwork back to life?

Just delighted to be honest – it helps to keep a little bit of him here with me. I feel sad that he died when I was still at University. I was so busy studying and seeing the world that I sometimes feel I missed out on just sitting with him and hearing his stories and learning his craft. His artwork has always been quite collectable to those that love Lundy, but actually his advertising posters were really ahead of his time as they are just the sort of thing that people want to put up on their walls now.


Can you tell us a little about your Grandfather, John Dyke?

John Dyke was my maternal grandfather, and an artist for all of his working life. During the second world war he drew one of the invasion maps for the Normandy landings, mapped traffic routes through to Luneburg Heath (where the German Army capitulated), and later was posted to Cowley Barracks to make a series of maps that recorded the war campaigns.


In 1944 he married my Grandmother Joan and they lived in Lancashire where they had my uncle David and my mum Jilly. In 1948 he joined the Lundy Field Society and finally made a long-awaited trip to the Island of Lundy, staying in the Old Light (which features on one of my shades.) From this moment on, Lundy trips became a regular occurrence and the family moved south from Lancashire to Fairy Cross, Devon in 1949, so that they could be closer to the Island.


At this time my Grandfather was a founding partner of Atlantic Coast Studios (then based in Bideford) where he designed many of the Lundy stamps, paintings of the island, and numerous drawings for the annual reports of the Lundy Field Society – serving as their secretary from 1959-1966. In 1970 he was given the great honour of being invited (by the Landmark Trust) to take up the position of Artist in Residence on Lundy where he spent 6 years producing the highly collectable ‘Lundy Illustrated news.’


When my grandparents moved back to the mainland my Grandad then worked as an artist for the National Trust, and many of his designs were used for those original tea towel and homewares that sell in the shops of the properties we all still visit today. He also drew and wrote the booklets that guided you around the houses and gardens, as well as all sorts of other bespoke commissions.


How did you decide which images to use for the lampshade collections?

I have started the lampshade collection with three watercolour designs and four black and white ink drawings of the Island. I was looking for the works which would be instantly recognisable as Lundy, but also ones that would work well in different decors. I didn’t want the designs to be too ‘busy’ either. The seven that I have started with are also all the same size which has helped create a cohesive offering that looks good on the website.



What other coastal inspired goodies are available at Tide and Isle?

As well as the Lundy lampshades I am also offering other nautical shade designs, vintage advertising and fine art prints and recycled glass lampbases. In the future I hope to offer more designs as well as branching out with tea towels and tote bags. I have a friend whose business is laser cutting wood so I’d like to explore options with him too!


You’ve used Dannells printing services for your lampshade designs. How does the printing process start?

I have found the printing process to be really clear thanks to the help of Paul in the Dannells Printing Department. Once I had chosen my artwork I had it digitally scanned at a local gallery/printers here in North Devon. Then I uploaded the CMYK format files to Paul via Wetransfer (which can cope with nice big files!) He then sends me to proof of the finished panel and once I’m happy with that (I have yet to need to change any) they go to print onto my fabric of choice.


Which fabric/s did you use for your lampshades?

I have used the linen fabric supplied by Dannells. I will try the velvet in the future too – perhaps when doing some botanical designs as I think that can look beautiful and plush and add that luxurious edge to an interior design.


Which is your favourite print that you’ve used in the collection?

I love the black and white image of Millcombe House as it has a peacock on it. I am going to experiment with adding some gold leaf to the design to glam it up a bit. One for home first so I can see how it turns out and how it lasts.


What’s been the benefits of printing with Dannells?

Ease of the process and knowing that everything is being printed in the UK. So I know I won’t have too long a lead time, and the quality will be good. I also use Dannells for all my lampshade supplies so they are a trusted brand for me. I’ve always been very happy with the service I receive from the print and manufacturing sections.



Dannells Digital printing services


Our lampshade fabric printing service is available for three of our popular lampshade making kits; Drum, Coolie and Wall Light Kits and our affordable prices give you the opportunity to take your lampshade making to the next level.


To bring your lampshade designs to life, we offer three types of fabric that guarantee excellent print quality for your artwork or illustrations;

  • Polytextile is the perfect textile for budget lampshades

  • Linen has a beautiful appearance with surface interest when lit

  • Velvet provides a luxurious, sumptuous and expensive feel to your shade

These materials also work well to create matching cushions, which is a great way to expand your range.


How we print

At Dannells, we offer two printing methods. ‘Dye Sublimation’ is a transfer print process where the ink is firstly printed onto paper and then put through a calendar press to transfer it to the substrate (or fabric). The process gives vibrant, impactful graphics to suit a wide range of applications, including lampshades.

Before we invested in dye-sublimation printing, we printed lampshade materials using our mild solvent printing machine. This process used a textile called ‘Light Textile’, which is a polyester fabric that is thin and lightweight. Popular with our customers, we still offer this material to clients and to order simply select "Light Textile (Solvent)" in the textile options when placing your order.

Free Samples pack

Touch before you buy! Samples of our printable textiles materials are available to order free of charge and to order a pack simply click here.

Contact Us


If you want to give printing your own lampshade fabric a whirl we'd be only too happy to help you on your way so feel free to contact us by emailing info@dannells.com or calling 01992 700311 and ask for Paul in the printing department.


Tide and Isle


Instagram - @tide.and.isle


Facebook - @TideandIsle




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