As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this Fourth of July, its story unfolds like a richly woven tapestry, each thread revealing layers of history, discovery and diversity. The land of the free continues to evolve, offering an enduring source of inspiration and a vibrant kaleidoscope of art, culture and heritage.
Our three New York hotels, Crosby Street Hotel, The Whitby Hotel and Warren Street Hotel, reflect our transatlantic bond. Bringing British sensibility to life with American energy, each embodies a distinctive creative fusion that continues to inspire everything we do. From our properties on the East Coast to our residential projects on the West Coast and all of our adventures in between, today we celebrate in the words of Katharine Lee Bates’s poem, America the Beautiful.
Continuing our commitment to craftsmanship and the beauty of the handmade, we have created an exclusive collection of Sailor’s-Farewell-inspired cushions, mannequins and acrylic tray. Each piece captures the spirit of discovery and extends the original Sailor’s Farewell narrative, evoking a poetic moment of departure and adventure. Handcrafted in appliqué, the design depicts a sailor’s loved one standing on a rocky shore, waving goodbye as her American flag billows in the wind. Set against a soft oatmeal coloured horizon, the scene is delicately hand-stitched, bringing warmth, movement and the romance of life at sea to every detail.
Mythical Land, a design created with Andrew Martin, is inspired by the richness of American folk art and the timeless magic of storytelling. We set out to capture a sense of childlike wonder, building a world that unfolds like a living fairy tale.
Inspired by America’s rich tradition of craftsmanship and quilting, our studio has long enjoyed reimagining this cherished art form through a contemporary lens. For Nantucket by Design, we created an imaginative nautical quilt celebrating the island’s maritime heritage. Featuring a lighthouse radiating golden rays across the sea, the design was crafted as a colourful collage using fabrics from our collections with Christopher Farr.
Our passion for storytelling through textiles continued with the Tapestry of Redemption Quilt, created with Fine Cell Work. Constructed from panels of our Hedgerow fabric, the patchwork design draws inspiration from late medieval tapestries, where magical creatures hide amongst abundant fruit trees. Echoing the American quilting tradition, in which quilts became both practical objects and expressions of community, history and personal narrative, the work brings together disparate fragments to create a richly symbolic whole. The finished quilt stands as a powerful testament to creativity, collaboration and the transformative nature of making by hand.
As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, we reflect on the creativity, ingenuity and spirit of discovery that continue to shape this extraordinary nation. From folk art and quilting traditions to contemporary design and hospitality, American stories remain an enduring source of inspiration for our work. Through colour, craftsmanship and narrative, we honour the people, places and traditions that have enriched our creative journey, and we look forward to the many stories still to unfold.
This Independence Day, we celebrate not only a milestone in history, but also the enduring beauty of imagination, artistry and cultural exchange.
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
America the Beautiful is one of the most beloved and recognisable American patriotic songs. Its lyrics were written by poet Katharine Lee Bates in 1895, while the music was composed by church organist Samuel A. Ward in 1882.