Warhol art licensed for home decor

Andy Warhol moved into film making in later years

Consumers may soon be able to buy bed linen, wallpaper and even crockery emblazoned with the art of Andy Warhol, following a new licensing deal.

The foundation dedicated to the avant guarde American artist agreed to license his famous images for retail use.

As well as furnishings famous works such as Orange Marilyn and the Campbell soup can could be reproduced on jewellery and on greeting cards.

Fairy on a horse is one of Warhol's lesser-known works

Warhol famously said "being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art".

The deal, announced on Tuesday between the foundation and the Beanstalk Group, a large licensing company that promotes Coke and Harley-Davidson among others.

It means famous works by the artist, who died in 1987, could soon be seen on the shelves with some of his lesser-known pieces such as Fairy on a Horse.

Warhol's famous camouflage pattern

The image features a curly-haired fairy armed with arrows and a bouquet sitting on a horse.

Warhol is also famed for works featuring multicoloured lips and signs bearing the message This Side Up.

Proceeds from the licensing pact would be used by The Andy Warhol Foundation for its cause to provide funding for the arts, the licensing company said.

Warhol's multicoloured lips will be used in the merchandising

Warhol's art has been used many times for promotional and artistic design.

Last month Swedish vodka firm Absolut revealed that an album cover designed by Warhol is to be used in an American advertising campaign.

His image of a banana for The Velvet Underground's album The Velvet Underground and Nico has had its tip changed into the neck of a bottle.

An unusual art collection by Andy Warhol's former business manager Frederick Hughes was recently put up for auction at Sotheby's, New York.

Mr Hughes, who was the executor of the artist's estate after his death, amassed a huge range of antiques and art works.