Wool has been used to make clothing and fabric since the Stone Age. Being naturally water and fire resistant it's not surprising that it has been a valuable commodity across cultures and centuries. When Richard the Lionheart was captured in 1192, Cistercian monks paid their part of the ransom to the Holy Roman Emperor in 50,000 sacks of wool, a year's clip.

This smart, grey plain is the perfect fabric backdrop to have some fun with. Lovely in a neutral scheme or pair with vivid colours to make these tightly woven threads let their hair down and sing. With a Teflon coating, liquids are easily wiped away to avoid stains, see how it works in this video.With a Teflon coating, liquids are easily wiped away to avoid stains, see how it works in this video.