The Wells Companies
Wells Textiles is part of The Wells Companies
October 15, 2019 — Founder and owner Lauren Hudson of The Wells Companies announced today the acquisition of assets from Rose Cumming Chintzes and Classic Cloth. The acquisition was made after a protracted bankruptcy process, when the uncertain futures of both textile brands were greatly lamented by the design community. Hudson, who owns and runs interior design firm Wells Design and the Wells Abbott Showrooms, saw an exciting opportunity to preserve and grow the two storied textile houses and save the fabric lines from falling into obscurity. The textile additions seemed a natural complement to Hudson's current showroom and interiors businesses. The acquisition was made for an undisclosed sum from The Bank of Hays in Kansas, turning over all inventory, asset rights, and the complete textile design archives to The Wells Companies.
Regarding the future plans for both Classic Cloth and Rose Cumming Chintzes, Hudson said, "They have been among my favorite brands since I began working with Wells Design years ago. The design sensibilities of both brands are completely in line with my own, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue the production and distribution of both textile collections. I have a great appreciation and respect for the Rose Cumming Chintzes textile archive, and I look forward to closely working with some of the designs that were inspired by Rose Cumming, and introducing these bold textiles to a new generation of designers."
Rose Cumming Chintzes fabrics have long been celebrated and employed by A-list decorators including Tom Britt, Michael Smith, Richard Keith Langham and Mario Buatta. Of the impending return of Rose Cumming Chintzes, designer Richard Keith Langham stated, "I am thrilled this wonderful line will be preserved and celebrated. Carisbrook is one of my favorites - long live a bold chintz."
Cumming's great-niece Sarah Cumming Cecil, President and Principal Designer at the Rose Cumming interior design firm says, "My great-aunt, the legendary Rose Cumming, began decorating in 1917 and producing her iconic fabrics and wallpapers soon thereafter. We are delighted that The Wells Companies will be relaunching this uniquely beautiful line for those who have always loved it and for generations to come."
Hudson has found Classic Cloth and Rose Cumming Chintzes homes in some of the best showrooms across the country and beyond, including Ainsworth-Noah in Atlanta, Wells Abbott in Texas, Jasper Showroom in Los Angeles, and Tissus d'Helene in London. As a showroom owner, Hudson is dedicated to the showroom distribution model for the brands and soon will be launching a website for Classic Cloth and Rose Cumming Chintzes to facilitate and support the showrooms' efforts. Designers will be able to request memo samples and quotes from the nearest showroom location through the website as well as access current stock levels & pricing.
Hudson says of her commitment to showrooms, "A good showroom is a partner to the designer, bringing them fresh or unique fabric collections and discoveries from around the world, and