Lee Jofa’s contemporary brand Groundworks was first established in 1985 to supply innovative alternatives to the conventional chintzes popular during that period. Lee Jofa, which started in 1823 as a rope making supplier and engaged today in the production of decorative fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, decorative lighting, and trimmings, acquired Groundworks Fabric in 1986. Beginning the time that Groundworks Fabric was established in the mid 80’s, the company has always been known as a supplier of innovative and contemporary textiles designed and developed for residential and contract installations.

The Beginnings of Groundworks Fabric: When the popularity of traditional chintzes – glazed calico fabric usually printed with floral designs and other colorful patterns - was revived during the 1980’s, Groundworks was established to provide the market with better competition. At that time, the company has always been known to introduce modern-styled fabrics in an array of refreshing and attractive patterns.  Lee Jofa traces its beginnings to the early years of the 19th century, specifically in 1823. When George Johnson and Faulkner expanded Johnson’s rope making business to include upholstery stuffing distribution as well as the importation and selling of decorative fabrics a partnership named JOFA (Johnson and Faulkner) was born. In 1888, the Arthur H. Lee & Company, primarily a weaving business, was established by founder Arthur H. Lee. In 1965 Arthur H. Lee & Sons acquires JOFA and established a new name for the company, Lee Jofa. More than twenty years later, Lee Jofa acquired Groundworks. Groundworks Fabric is presently the contemporary brand carried by Lee Jofa.

Groundworks Collections: The collections of Groundworks Fabric have always been known for their imaginative approach, modern styling, and daring use of colors. Several of the most recent collections from Groundworks include Silhouette Prints and collections from designers Allegra Hicks, Nolita, Kelly Wearstler, and Thomas O’Brien. For bold prints in an attractive choice of colors, Groundworks presents their Silhouette Prints, printed on linen or linen and cotton. Allegra Hicks is one of the most prolific designers for the brand, creating collections for elegant interiors, using luxurious materials with distinctive textures and a delicious color palette. She is also known for collections with strong fashion influences, using the most opulent silks and velvets in subtle, smokey shades.  The Nolita Collection of Groundworks Fabric feature textiles designed for multi-purpose installations. This collection is patterned on the quaint Nolita neighborhood of New York, which is a shortened name for North of Little Italy. Fresh, fun, innovative, and adventurous, the textile offerings of Groundworks are beyond convention, perfect for sophisticated settings that demand the best of comfort and style.

Lee Jofa and Groundworks Fabric Worldwide: Lee Jofa and their brands are widely distributed on the international decorative fabric market. Groundworks Fabric choices are available to interior designers and architects in the U.K., U.S., South America, Europe, Russia, Asia, Middle East, and Australia.  A highly credible name in decorative textile innovation and contemporary styling, this brand is known for collections that take inspiration from various sources – from luxurious elements to places to fashion, making Groundworks one of the most sough-after brands of Lee Jofa today.