FLORENCE BROADHURST- [1899-1977] Textile Designer

Colorful, fantastical designs reflect the complex character who created them

- Catherine Coyle

Ask a child what they want to be when they grow up and the replies tend to be pretty standard: footballer, scientist, vet. On the odd occasion, you might get an artisan baker or an aerial yoga instructor. If you’re anything like Florence Broadhurst was, though, you’ll live out your most elaborate childhood fantasies and stun everyone into silence with your originality.

Born on a cattle station in the inhospitable Australian outback in 1899, Broadhurst took on as many different guises as she could during her life. She was no Walter Mitty, though; she fully inhabited every one of her roles, however fanciful, executing them with aplomb.