David Hicks

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David Hicks

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An article I recently read in Veranda referenced David Hicks during a discussion of trellis patterns.  Hicks was of relevance for his utilization of pattern, many of them deeply traditional (like the trellis), coupled with modern whimsy and bright colors.  Hick’s work seems as big as was his personality—married to an aristocrat and apparently steeped in his opinion of himself.  Hicks passed away in 1968, but his work endures and inspires many, including the avid Jonathan Adler.  I was entertained by a description of Hick’s disdain for chintz by Minn Hogg in an article in the New York Times: “…He killed every flower in his soul… . His was a rigorous, very tailored look.  So much of it was about control.  There wasn’t a wrinkle or crease anywhere.”  His work clearly defined much of what is mid century modern.  He is credited for successfully marrying modern with traditional--geometrics with antiques.  A simple trademark of David Hicks: patterned carpet.  His daughter, Ashley Hicks continues her father’s legacy with fabrics and interiors reminiscent of her father’s flair.

HIS WORDS

It is perhaps I who have made tablescapes - objects arranged as landscapes on a horizontal surface - into an art form; indeed, I invented the word . . . What is important is not how valuable or inexpensive your objects are, but the care and feeling with which you arrange them. I once bought six inexpensive tin mugs in Ireland and arranged them on a chimneypiece to create an interesting effect in a room which otherwise lacked objects. They stood there in simple perfection.

I dislike brightly coloured front doors - they are more stylish painted white, black or other dark colours. I hate wrought iron. I loathe colour used on modern buildings - it should be inside. I do not like conventional standard lamps - I prefer functional floor-standing reading lights. Function is just as important as aesthetics . . . Function dictates design.

Good taste is something which you can acquire: you can teach it to yourself, but you must be deeply interested. It is in no way dependent upon money.

The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them.

An enormous number of ideas come to me whilst I am lying in the bath in the morning or the evening, so I always have something readily at hand with which to write.

HIS WORK

Owens, Mitchell. “David Hicks, 69, Interior Design Star of the 60’s, Is Dead.” New York Times. 2 April 1998. David Hicks, Living with Design. Weidenfeld & Nicolson 1979. Photos: David Hicks (photo by Norman McGrath); David Hicks (David Hicks Archive); David Hicks  (David Hicks Archive) David Hicks  (David Hicks Archive).