Dublin-born Rory took inspiration from Wilde’s celebrated essay ‘The House
Beautiful’, in which the acclaimed author set out his philosophy on art, decoration and the role of
beauty in daily life. Hutton, best known for his linocut-inspired prints and luxury accessories, reinterprets these ideas through a series of bold new works and limited-edition designs.
Rory Hutton by Anne Schwarz.
In addition to Wilde’s own writings, the exhibition also draws on some of his key
influences, including Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta Patience—a satire of the aesthetic
movement—and William Morris’s famous dictum, “Have nothing in your house that
you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful,” a line Wilde often
paraphrased in his lectures. The final piece in the show is inspired by Wilde’s famous
deathbed remark about his wallpaper, a poignant reminder of his eye for beauty until
the very end.
“Oscar Wilde has been an influence on my work for as long as I can remember,” says
Rory Hutton. “The House Beautiful gave me permission to embrace decoration and
pattern as a serious pursuit. In many ways, this exhibition is my way of saying thank
you to him.”
Hutton’s connection to Wilde is not only artistic but also personal. “I was born just a
stone’s throw from Wilde’s childhood home in Dublin,” he adds. “Growing up in
Ireland, where history and storytelling are woven into everyday life, I have always
felt a kinship with his world.”
Following his inaugural exhibition with Shapero Modern in 2023, which explored his fascination with gardening, Hutton’s new series moves from the exterior to the interior, maintaining a continuity of decorative Victorian themes and a devotion to beauty in all its forms.
Rory Hutton and Guest at the opening of his exhibition ‘Gardening in Linocut’ (2023) at Shapero Modern Gallery.
The collection will feature a number of Hutton’s iconic silk scarf designs alongside limited edition linocuts and giclée prints of Hutton’s Oscar Wilde-themed designs, accompanied by a selection of books reflecting the theme, and even a decorative fan. Each piece is a celebration of the timeless relationship between art, design, and the pursuit of beauty.