Oscar Wilde 125: Rory Hutton reimagines 'The House Beautiful' at Shapero

Shapero Rare Books and Shapero Modern are marking  the 125th anniversary of Oscar Wilde’s death (30 November 1900) with a special selling exhibition including work by designer and historian Rory Hutton.  The exhibition will be unveiled on 1st December 2025 at Shapero's HQ at 94 New Bond Street, London and run until the end of January. 

Dublin-born Rory Hutton took inspiration from Wilde’s celebrated essay The House Beautiful, in which he 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.
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'.

Alongside Rory Hutton's work, there will be a selection of rare books reflecting the theme. A special 'Wilde Evening' with Rory Hutton will be held on Wednesday, 14th January 2026 and the exhibition will be open through December and January and prices for prints start from £100.

For more information, images or to request an interview with the artist, please contact: press@shapero.com