Timorous Beasties Celebrates 35 Years of Design Innovation
Glasgow, UK – This year, Timorous Beasties marks 35 years as a pioneering force in the design world.
Founded in 1990 by Glasgow School of Art alumni Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons, the studio has become internationally acclaimed for its distinctive, custom-made wallpapers and fabrics that challenge conventions in textiles and wallcoverings.
Renowned for their original drawings and paintings, Timorous Beasties has been instrumental in redefining contemporary textiles by blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Over the years, the studio has built a global reputation as disruptors in design, introducing a unique creative vision that blends history, art, nature, and societal themes with an edgy and contemporary attitude.
“The values we established at the start remain at the core of who we are as a company. Our success lies in staying versatile while staying true to what makes us distinctly Timorous Beasties,” says Alistair McAuley, Co-Founder.“Digital is exciting, of course, but hand printing is beautiful and human. It flows with characteristics that you don’t see anywhere else. It’s simple and versatile, and you can print when there is a power cut. But it can also be time-consuming and costly. We make our choices based on many factors, cost, quantity, finish, purpose, and expectation. It’s fair to say that most of our printing is digital, but our handprint studio is busy all day, every day and it is a wonderful skill to have at your fingertips.”
Throughout its 35 years, Timorous Beasties has undertaken a diverse range of creative commissions with both cultural icons and global brands, including collaborations with Kate Bush, Nike, and Fortnum & Mason.
Signature designs such as the bee, thistle, and the iconic Glasgow Toile remain bestsellers amongst the studio’s portfolio of over 500 original designs.
Timorous Beasties’ creations have graced the interiors of hospitality venues, cultural institutions, private jets, album covers, film sets, and even currency, further solidifying its status as a global design powerhouse.
“Every one of our designs starts as an original piece of artwork, meticulously created with pen, pencil, or paint. This foundational approach has been vital in maintaining the authenticity and integrity of what we do,” states Paul Simmons, Co-Founder. “Even as trends shift, we have remained proudly and distinctly ‘Timorous.’”
Over its decades-long evolution, the studio’s celebrated designs have been included in prestigious collections such as those at the Art Institute of Chicago, Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York, Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, and the V&A Museum in London.
Looking ahead, Timorous Beasties remains committed to pushing the boundaries of design while continuing to honour the values and artistic roots that have shaped it. To celebrate this milestone, McAuley and Simmons have curated a selection of their standout designs from the past 35 years, reflecting the spirit and legacy of the brand.
About Timorous Beasties
Established in Glasgow in 1990, Timorous Beasties is a globally recognised design studio specialising in innovative and bespoke wallpapers, fabrics, and surfaces.
Known for their unique artistic style, original designs, and mastery of both traditional and modern techniques, Timorous Beasties continues to lead the evolution of contemporary design.
