Ian Mankin was much feted by style writers in the 1980s-these days it hardly ever seems to get a mention in the interior design columns-which is a great shame as its extensive range of thick cotton drills and ticking remains unrivalled.
The imposing dark wood interior of the shop with its massive bales of materials is a feast for the eyes. Mankin specialises in wonderful ginghams and stripes in arresting combinations-cornflower blue and scarlet, dusky grey and pink-all in slightly muted tones that work perfectly in period homes, or, more fashionably, with the current Scandinavian look.
The prices are surprisingly reasonable and compare very favourably with the London department stores' plain cottons.Even better, there is always a stock of offcuts for sale at knock down rates.I bought enough striped material (top of the range) to cover three small dining chair seats for an amazing £5.40 only a few months ago.
Well worth a look-especially if you like to make your own curtains and blinds.