The Wow Factor in Luxury Interior Design
Image above: Primrose Hill penthouse by Callender Howorth.
When you walk into a room and feel taken aback by its beauty and sense of wellbeing, what you are responding to is the mood set by the lighting design.
You can have a room filled with beautiful and luxurious furniture and decor, but if the lighting design is not correct, you will not feel the intended energy and experience of the space. In fact, you will feel like something is off, or that it is missing the wow factor.
Regents Park House project by Callender Howorth.
As one of the pillars of interior design, lighting directly affects our senses and our mood. Studies have found that the more intense the light, the more intense emotions are perceived to be. Not only does lighting affect our moods, but directly affects our biorhythm and even our circadian rhythms.
Lighting is what makes us feel safe and relaxed at home, and directly affects our productivity at work. It also links the connection between rooms ensuring a smooth transition from one room to the next.
Heath Drive Hampstead project by Callender Howorth.
Callender Howorth managing director Mark Howorth explains, “Lighting design is such an important element of the interior design process. It is one of the key ways that we create the wow factor with our designs. There are many facets to getting the perfect interior design – and our lighting design team is key to getting the big wow factor that our clients want.
Good lighting design adds the magic that lifts and enhances all of our designs to the next dimension. Whether we are looking to create a cosy reading corner or a multi-function space the same principles are adopted to ensure our projects are delivered to the highest level.”
However, lighting design is a uniquely creative and technical process that requires the vision of a skilled team that can translate the overall design to produce subtle colours and intensity bringing the design to life.
Photo by London Lightworks.
Our team at London Lightworks are masters of creating the perfect balance for our luxury residential projects which require the utmost highest attention to precision and detail.
Photo by London Lightworks.
Mark Kazer from London Lightworks shares his intentions behind lighting design. “An expertly designed lighting scheme adds another dimension to your space, bringing an interior design project to life. Great lighting creates depth and height, and cosy spots, and draws attention to your most impressive areas or features of the room.
It’s all about the balance of light and shade and bringing new energy to an interior. Considering a user’s interaction with any given space is so important to how a lighting scene is set to ensure it is comfortable and really portrays the moods we wish to create.”
Country House residential project by Callender Howorth.
Callender Howorth Interior and Architectural Design provides an English-speaking design and build team for luxury interior design projects across the French Riviera, Monaco, London and New York.
If you are looking to renovate your home, we invite you to contact us by email to Mark Howorth at mark@callenderhoworth.com or call +33 483 5805 27.
For press inquiries contact Juanita Viale at juanita@callenderhoworth.com
Cultural Influences on Design
On a recent sourcing trip to Marrakesh, the beauty of the Moroccan culture vividly speaks to you as you meander through the winding ancient streets of the Medina.
The sun-baked red terracotta facades of the buildings and mosques instantly transport you to their ancient roots and history with the energy of its Berber origins permeating this maze-like imperial city.
The vivid contrasts in colour you find in the souk are a feast for the eyes with all the hanging handwoven textiles and rugs, baskets, hand-painted tiles, and pottery, flowing tunics and kaftans, and especially the mesmerizing display of spices, so rich in colour and scent infusing all your senses.
Such a dramatic experience reminds us of how the influence of a culture’s subtle and, not-so-subtle energies shape the context of our lives and become a part of who we are.
These cultural mores are so powerful that they are able to carry over into modernity through architecture and design. This collaboration between the traditional and present-day naturally reveals an evolution without releasing its anchor to its soul.
Amanjena Resort
This ennobling relationship can be seen in the medieval medina and the nouveau Marrakesh where you can have 5-star hotels that are redefining luxury experiences such as the Royal Mansour, La Mamounia, and La Sultana.
It is perhaps the reason why we find places like this so compelling because you can tangibly feel and experience the spirit of its origins.
La Sultana Marrakesh. Photo by J.Viale
Amanjena Resort
The unique qualities of these cultural shapes and symbols have become more globalized as interior trends have embraced the beauty and style of cultural tendencies. As our lives have become connected through social media, cultural designs have become very accessible and as a result, they expand the texture of our lifestyle.
Coco Morocco
Yves Saint Laurent is a shining example of a designer whose love affair with Marrakesh, which began in 1996, inspired his fashion designs and where his dedicated contemporary Museum serves as a repository of his Moroccan-inspired designs.
Museum Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakesh
As one of the most contemporary buildings in Marrakesh designed by Studio KO and Yves Saint Laurent’s partner Pierre Bergé, it is no surprise that it also carries cultural symbolism through its walled architecture similar to that of the medina with its patterned red bricks, and contrasted with smooth marble and stone interior similar to the lining of a jacket.
Hamimi Design
The evolution of interior design continues to flourish and we embrace these cultural sensitivities so that the line to the origins of our heritage can continue to be honoured. The unique aspects of our personalities are what gives us our individuality but also what ties us together collectively.
Callender Howorth project Heath Drive was culturally inspired by our client’s Indian heritage.
A Cultural Perspective
As we move toward a more conscious economy, understanding the essence of different cultures and celebrating their beauty evolves our own wisdom and produces authentic designs that preserve the lines of our origins.
Sourcing tiles for a new project by Callender Howorth.
The selection of Moroccan rugs in Marrakesh are endless.
Callender Howorth is always looking for new ideas, inspiration and suppliers for our clients.
We are delighted to be developing some very interesting connections in Marrakesh for new suppliers for tile, rugs, metal work, lighting and of cultural authenticity for our clients who are seeking to infuse their appreciation for cultural influences in the interior design of their homes.
Cover image: moroccan.minimalism
French Riviera Style
The French Riviera is aglow as the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix have just ended with some of the world’s most recognised celebrities donning the latest designer styles and fashion.
Style is the order of the day.
Actually, every day on the French Riviera is all about style! All the cafes, beach clubs, restaurants, and chic lounges are dressed to impress including the people.
But just what is Riviera style?
Effortless, Simple Sophistication
With the azure turquoise colour of the Mediterranean in the backdrop, charming sun-bleached frescos of the Maisons de Ville that line most of the ports and villages along the Cote d’Azur, the melange of the Provencal charm with world-class glamour and affluence infuses the subtle Mediterranean breeze.
Classic scenes such as Bridget Bardot driving the speedboat in the bay of Saint Tropez in the 1955 film “And God Created Woman” showcased a sublime French lifestyle to the world and elevated the simple fishing village of Saint Tropez as a top VIP destination. The Bardot effect, certainly.
White and Bleu
Outdoor lounge by SIFAS Outdoor Design.
From refined and minimalistic light sand and grey tones paired with white linen to nautical blue and white striped parasols and vintage Parisian Epoque in classic black and white woven bistro chairs, White is the Riviera’s signature colour when it comes to style for both decor and fashion.
The Chaises Bleu ( The blue chairs) are the iconic signature of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
The shades of azure blue is the precious inspiration of the Mediterranean sea.
From the signature chaise bleu of the Promenade des Anglais and on the Croisette in Cannes, you will find an ode to this pristine blue everywhere along the Cote d’Azur.
The essence of this colour palette is where we draw our inspiration from for our interior design projects on the Cote d’Azur.
Raoul Dufy’s 1928 “Intérieur à la fenêtre ouverte” depicts the view of the Baie des Anges in Nice.
Artists like Picasso, Matisse, Chagall and Dufy were also all drawn to the Riviera for its bright luminosity that were depicted in their famous works of art.
Anjuna Plage in Eze sur Mer, a favourite local seaside eatery where we often lunch with our clients.
Rooted in Provencal Charm
Whether you are seaside or countryside, the Provencal charm is tied to the territory through the simple architecture, agriculture and gardening, nature, cuisine, and joie de vivre.
Photo by SIFAS.
The joy is in appreciating the simplicity because the surroundings speak for themselves with their natural beauty.
Dining al fresco under the pergola of wisteria with friends and family, and enjoying locally grown products like olive oils, cheeses, and wine in connection to this coveted Mediterranean territory.
Callender Howorth works with English Garden Group to create memorable outdoor landscapes and living areas.
Irrefutable Elegance and Class
Photo by Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
The French Riviera heralds some of the most beautiful hotels with undeniable elegance and class such as the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc nestled in the rugged scenic coastline of Cap d’Antibes.
A timeless legend of carefree elegance and inspirational beauty.
Photo by Carlton Beach Club.
During the Cannes Film Festival, A-list celebrities and film are usually spotted in the Carlton Beach Club soaking in the Mediterranean sun.
A Lifestyle of Outdoor Living
A signature mark of living on the French Riviera is the year long indoor/outdoor living lifestyle.
Photo by Carlton-International. Luxury seaside property in Grimaud, St. Tropez’s quiet neighbour.
Touting 300 days of sunshine a year, the most exclusive homes are designed with the intention of enjoying the glorious sunny weather all year. The focal point is the terrace, whether is a sea view terrace or niched in the Provencal countryside.
The natural lighting of the Riviera is quite unique which makes designing the interiors of luxury homes quite interesting in that the interior lighting designs complement the vast arrays of ever changing natural light streams.
Photo by English Garden Group. Sunken lounge for a cozy night under the stars.
The French Riviera is a distinct blend of old and new, a harmonious contrast that carries with it an inspiring carefree spirit.
Perhaps the French way of admiring the simple things in life such as a beautiful flower market like the Cours Saleya in Nice, an afternoon pause for an espresso al fresco or a seaside aperitif to watch the sunset, reminds us of the beauty of the simple pleasures and making simple pleasures beautiful.
Here is a sneak peak of our current project for a sea view villa in Villefranche-sur-mer.
Rendering by Callender Howorth for current project in Villefranche-sur-mer.
View of the bay of Villefranche from Callender Howorth’s renovation project for a luxury villa.
For our projects in the south of France we infuse this essence of enjoyment along with the energy of refined organic materials and natural light to create living spaces whose beauty and comfort are effortless.
Whether you are having a picnic on the beach, 5-star fine dining, or renovating your home, the essence of Riviera style is in the effortless spirit of enjoyment.
Styling in New York
It’s such a nice feeling to be back in New York now that travel has opened back up again.
Perhaps it’s a newfound appreciation of life moving forward after the pandemic, but the city seems more vibrant than ever!
Central Park
As we work on an interior design project for a penthouse in Central Park South, we find ourselves gazing out to the gorgeous views of Central Park and how the beauty of this park, an icon of the New York lifestyle, plays such an important role to New Yorkers.
The romantic setting of the charming Loeb Boathouse.
Apart from the classic horse and carriage rides that appeared in so many films made in New York, Central Park is an urban oasis of activities like feeding the penguins at the Central Park Zoo to Sunrise Morning Yoga Walks, winter Ice skating at Wollman Rink, to the landmark charm of lunching at Tavern on the Green or dining lakeside in the romantic setting of the Loeb Boathouse.
Central Park’s classy landmark restaurant Tavern on the Green.
The elegant charm of Manhattan underpins the beauty of Central Park, and as we begin working on another penthouse project here, we can’t help but hear Sinatra’s signature melody New York, New York! Campy, but it gets us every time !
Callender Howorth penthouse interiors project in Central Park South.
Styling for this project will capture timeless elegance while being easy and effortless to live in.
The apartment will reflect our client’s signature unique style while reflecting the sophistication of the Central Park lifestyle.
The Hamptons
The second part of our trip takes us to the Hamptons in Long Island.
Known as a rural summer getaway from the city for the rich and famous, the homes on the Hamptons are as famous as the hedgerows that hide them as well as the perennial American Beach Grass of the East End.
As we work on an interior residential project here, we can feel the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere of coastal living. The coastal breezes, quaint village shops, gourmet farmers’ markets, flower shops, and stylish boutiques all carry the underlying grace and grandeur of living in the Hamptons.
Our residential interiors project will combine the essence of refinement and class with the ease of understated elegance as a thread to the natural charm of its coastal environment.
Classic village elegance in Southampton.
Whilst the contrast of the Hamptons with Central Park is palpable, the proud American spirit is what ties them together. Much like back in the UK where the British sentiment and spirit reign supreme in its traditions and style.
Callender Howorth’s residential interior project in Southampton.
As we continue the completion of our current projects Central Park and the Hamptons, we are beginning to prepare the next round of projects in these famed areas of New York.
The Art of Unexpected Discovery
At the beginning of every year, most of us find ourselves looking ahead at what the new year will bring. We set out to define our goals and ambitions and align our minds with the intentions of what we would like to experience for the coming year.
A fresh start with subtle anticipation of those unexpected surprises that tend to shape our lives with meaning and context are planted like seeds in our minds.
@Courtesy of Euphoria Retreat
On the Peloponnese peninsula of southern Greece, a mythical and historically rich area on the Mediterranean, Euphoria Retreat is nestled in the serene countryside dotted with olive groves, authentic villages, and pine forests.
A magical landscape where the symbiotic relationship of nature and culture is present, Euphoria Retreat is an idyllic place that inspires profound reflection of the depth and meaning of the intimate relationships we have with our physical environments.
Our relationship to the spaces we inhabit is something we experience on a daily basis, yet for most its a dynamic that goes unnoticed until we visit certain places that are awe-inspiring.
We seek to be inspired, surprised, and impressed, yet our day-to-day routines tend to produce feelings that are predictable, safe and familiar.
Sphere pool. @Couresty of Euphoria Retreat
The Greek quote in Euphoria’s literature succinctly sums up the idea of discovery, “If you do not expect the unexpected you will not find it, for it is not to be reached by search or trail.”- Heraclitus
Euphoria’s organic earthy tones on the walls, the circular curvatures of the Waterwell Kneipp Therapy, or the orb-shaped Sphere Pool are designed to visually provoke meditative states of stillness and wonder which awakens all the senses.
Waterwell. @Courtesy Euphoria Retreat
These spaces act as a portal into self-discovery with the euphoric feeling of being in the caverns of one’s own consciousness. A mindful introspection is almost inevitable as a sense of curiosity is naturally piqued in these thoughtfully designed spaces of healing.
A Subjective Relationship to Colour and Space
Apart from the sense of discovery through spaces, colours have the psychological power to affect our moods and evoke certain feelings. In colour psychology, colours are divided in to 3 main categories, warm, cool and neutral.
A combination of warm textures and and tonal lighting were used in the Contemporary Country House project by Callender Howorth to create a cozy and true cinematic effect for the home cinema.
Warm colours such as reds, oranges and yellows stimulate a sense of love, passion, excitement, as well as social interaction.
Snug shot from Callender Howorth residential project in Twickenham. Pockets of mood and colour add excitement and energy changes to our interior design .
Cool colours such as blues, greens and purples evoke feelings of calm and relaxation as well as balance, creativity, mystery and luxury.
Bloomfield project by Callender Howorth
Neutrals such as white, beige, greys and black provide a sense of purity, elegance, wisdom, comfort and a natural aesthetic.
Residential project in Twickenham by Callender Howorth
Perhaps one of the most notable works of colour were by Russian artist Mark Rothko whose hazy thin washes of colour brought a different luminosity to the contrasting shades of the large expanses of colour. As an Abstract Expressionist Rothko’s signature large-scale coloured rectangles used simplified means to evoke emotional responses.
Rust and Blue by Mark Rothko, 1953 @Mark-Rothko org
The psychological sense of the unexpected is what disrupts our thought patterns and it is from this place where a new relationship between us and our environment is created.
Visual and auditory experiences become intrinsically familiar but at the same time, spatial ambiances that are distinctively unexpected unconsciously shift’s one attention.
This dynamic of shifting our attention away to something unexpected prompting pleasant, positive, comforting, and safe emotions is the basis of the psychology of space.
Psychology of space is in fact “the study of human relations and behaviours within the context of the built and natural environments” -Dave Alan Kopec
The design principles such as balance, symmetry, function, movement, and proportion are what we as designers use to invoke a natural harmony in order to evoke the mood we seek to achieve.
Salt Room, Euphoria Retreat
So going back to the concept of the unexpected aesthetic, we garner the wisdom and sympathetic value of a mindful and deliberate way to discover those parts of ourselves that would otherwise go unnoticed.
And in doing so, we appreciate the gifts and growth that come from the art of unexpected discovery.
Journeys in Time
A personal message from Mark Howorth
As we find ourselves amidst the holiday season, I find myself thinking about the significance of time, particularly our journeys in time.
The holidays mark an intentional moment to celebrate a year of life, and it certainly comes with all what may! We celebrate personal and professional successes, cherished milestones, new dreams and discoveries, and the musings of forgotten memories, welcoming a new life or the passing of a loved one.
Such is the case for myself as it’s been almost 2 years since my fathers passing, yet it still seems like yesterday we were together in the south of France enjoying the cafes and driving along the beautiful coast of the Cote d’Azur.
A place that was so dear to my fathers heart and where I spent my childhood summers going to all the provincial beaches with my family and sailing on the beautiful Mediterranean.
These memories warm my heart.
John Howorth
Life’s dual nature of beauty and chaos tugs on my emotional heart strings as such memories simply makes me miss my loving father even more. Yet I am comforted by the thought that I always carry his presence in my heart.
Our hearts, the space within us where all our stories are deeply felt.
We seek the stories whose framework will inherently hold the context we seek to describe. The story within us that is wanting to emerge and reveal itself as we live each moment in the unfolding of our journey in time with each other.
By sharing this vulnerable aspect of ourselves, we connect on a deeper level of compassion and kindness.
The Howorth family.
We relish in our funny stories, embarrassing moments that make us laugh until our bellies hurt, as well as find comfort in the moments that call upon our emotional reserves of resilience and courage when we most need a shoulder to cry on.
But isn’t this what life is all about?
Bearing witness to each other and all our experiences in our journey of sorting it all out. Making sense of it all, especially during these trying times with the pandemic which has sparked the flame of vulnerability in all of us.
The people in our lives give us profound meaning and inspiration to be and discover who we really are.
They are gifts of grace.
Looking back at the Callender Howorth Christmas party we had in 2019. How fun! We are sure to have a party next year!
I would like to extend my complete gratitude and thanks to the entire team at Callender Howorth, along with our suppliers and business partners for all their work that allows us to deliver excellence in interior design to our clients.
And to all our clients, thank you for your trust and loyalty, we are sincerely honoured to be a part of your journey.
It is with my deepest heartfelt intention, that I wish for all of you this holiday season, to reach out with one another, and let it be a moment in time filled with appreciation and blessings for these are the journeys in time that we share together.
Main image: Callender Howorth project Chalet Solaise in Switzerland. Photo by Andrew Borthwick
The Personal Evolution of Interior Styling
Often confused with interior design or a part of it, interior styling focuses on the unique or individual style of the room.
While there is certainly an overlap between the aesthetics design created by an interior designer, interior styling focuses on the relationship of the details of the textures, finishes, and decor.
Callender Howorth residential project Nice, Cote d’Azur.
Originally working with magazines and photoshoots, interior styling services have transitioned to working with creating specific ambiances in our private homes. Changing the ambiance of the room without changing any of its structural properties is the true art of an interior stylist.
In essence they pose a new air of conversation to the room.
Oka
By adding, removing and curating different decorative items, fabrics, and placements, the interior stylist can bring in a renewed freshness and updated personality to the room.
Besides the aspect of beautification of a space, we find ourselves asking a more profound esoteric question of the role that interior style plays in our lives and why it matters.
A personal cathartic evolution
It is hard to believe that interior styling could be a topic whose origins date as far back as the ancient Egyptian tombs whose mural hieroglyphs and intricate wall decor was intended to bring joy to the dead and assist their journey to the afterlife by depicting their family history and achievements.
Basically, these sacred symbols tell their unique story. And they filled up their tombs with plenty of objects and paintings to guide them on their eternal journey.
Callender Howorth, Nice apartment project.
As one would expect, the tombs of the pharaohs and kings were more elaborate, signifying their power and wealth. The most famous piece of art of ancient Egypt is the gold mask of Tutankhamun of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun from the 18th dynasty who reigned from 1334–1325 BC, found in the Valley of the Kings in 1925 by Howard Carter.
Throughout history the translation of life could be seen through the interior styles from the raw materials, ornate finishings, the symbolic architecture such as cornices, loggias and arcades, and of course the furnishings.
The intentions behind the use of the designs, similar to the ancient Egyptians, reflecting wealth, social and cultural status continue through our modern times and have further evolved into a reflection of our wellbeing and lifestyle.
These motives boil down to one common denominator…the intrinsic importance of our unique story.
Callender Howorth, Country House project in Kent.
In our modern world we continue telling our story through our homes.
We intentionally prepare our homes according to the seasons, we rejuvenate the spirit of our homes through art pieces, decorative details, changing colour palettes and textiles and favourite keepsakes.
We intentionally renovate our homes to reflect our current lifestyle and modern day ideologies of the comforts of living.
Badmiton, a Chinoiserie wallpaper, hand painted on 12 Carat White Gold gilded silk background by de Gournay. Photo @dm_photographyuk.
We create new spaces, multifunctional living spaces, niche spaces, indulgent luxuries such as bathroom spas, fitness gyms and home cinemas. Our kitchens have morphed into social cooking and entertainment areas, and outdoor gardens have come indoors through glasshouse extensions.
Our homes reflect not only our story, but a historical catharsis of our personal evolution of humanity stemming from prehistoric times.
This might sound like a very mythical notion indeed, but the interpretations of our existence are deeply rooted from our origins and whose expressions serve to bring context and profound meaning to our lives.
At Callender Howorth this the ethos behind our designs in helping our clients to translate a rich and profound meaning to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
A Desired Lifestyle at Paris Design Week and Maison et Objet
We all carry certain notions of what our desired lifestyle would be and what that would look like.
In its simplest definition, the word lifestyle means a way in which a person lives. This can include different types of domains such as the most widely used, healthy lifestyle, active lifestyle, bohemian lifestyle, independent lifestyle, wealthy lifestyle, and such.
The conscious choice of designing our lifestyle examines the fundamental principles of how we are choosing our habits, activities, desired experiences and connecting to others.
As interior designers we are masters of the art of creating spaces that aligns all of these elements to precisely reflect the client’s intention.
A theme of Desired Development
So then it comes as no surprise that this year’s Maison et Objet interior design trade show (September 9-13th) which is running simultaneously with Paris Design week, have adopted the theme of Desired Development to address the needs of an unprecedented time in our global human evolution where responsibility and ethos serve as the cornerstones of inspired design.
PRINTWORKS
While our desires for enjoyment and pleasure with social connection still stand as a tall order, our awareness of designs and concepts for products and spaces has evolved to a higher state of awareness for a conscious movement driving our desired lifestyle and development.
Every single part of the way we are currently living, working, moving, interacting with, communicating, playing, relaxing, consuming, socialising, sourcing, educating, transporting, healing, governing, and designing are undergoing a deliberate exercise of being rethought out.
l’Opificio
We have arrived at a critical moment in our human history where our preconceived beliefs about how we are supposed to live are being turned upside down to see how we want to continue living and the changes that would be required individually and collectively to do just that.
Marie Talalaeff – Sculpture
HAY
Simply put, we are now being given the challenge to adopt a new point of view into the unknown future which for some is quite frightening, but certainly is a portal into discovery, creativity, and inspiration if we embrace it.
Changing our habits is one of the hardest skills to achieve because we are creatures of comfort. New thoughts and ideas about things in life that we are certain of and find safety in are the hardest ideas to consume.
ANA GOLD – BIJOUX
Our natural reflex is to resist and to stay safe in our known environments both internally and externally. But what if we allowed ourselves a small space of curiosity to enter, which is actually an impetus for opening our perspectives, thus making way for the newer versions of ourselves to enter.
A frighteningly exciting thought nonetheless, the kind of feeling one has when you book an exotic vacation to someplace you have never been, knowing that you won’t be the same when you return.
La Maison Pierre Frey
This is where we are holding our expectations at Maison et Objet this year, to see the new versions of our future desired lifestyles and our place in them.
Princess Diana Statue Unveiled – What is Art?
On what would have been her 60th birthday on July 1st, the hearts of the world once again turned their attention and affection towards the late Princess Diana in the unveiling of a statue at her favourite Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.
As her devoted sons William and Harry unveiled the statue made in “honouring her life and legacy” through a stoic and modest representation of Diana standing and embracing the 3 children at her side amidst her sacred garden filled with her favourite flowers.
Samir Hussein- Getty images.
Simple flowers with an uncomplicated, pure beauty such as forget-me-nots, white lilies, white roses, tulips, narcissi, and daisies.
The sculptor, Ian Rank-Broadley, whose work has been in the hands of every Briton as he designed the image of the Queen that is on the coins in the UK wanted to “capture her warmth and humanity while showcasing the impact she had across generations.”
And an impact he indeed wildly succeeded as mixed reviews instantly flared up with his attempt at conveying Diana’s ‘ warmth, elegance and energy’ as he intended to do.
The principles of true art is not to portray but to evoke. – Jerzy Kosinski
‘Spiritless hunk of nonsense, grumpy, doesn’t capture her magic’, are some of the expressions landing across UK headlines as this tributary piece of artwork is prompting a larger question of what art actually is. Critics, experts and the art community expressing unabashed rancour and utter disappointment.
As the old adage goes “Art is in the eye of the beholder, and everyone will have their own interpretation.” by E.A. Bucchianeri from Brushstrokes of a Gadfly, we can surmise the expectation of a divided camp in such example as the statue of the late Princess because to depict such a world respected, admired and loved icon is certainly a tall order, especially when working alongside the two people that loved Diana the most, her sons.
By definition, Art, also called (to distinguish it from other art forms) visual art, is a visual object or experience consciously created through an expression of skill or imagination.
And its purpose, to convey meaning, dates back to most of our known humanity, starting with cave art.
So while these timeless pieces capture and share eternal feelings or moments of life, it inherently carries the opinion or translation of the perspective of the artist creating the piece.
Image Daily Mail
So in the example of the sculpture of Diana, the brief by the royals was to create a piece that represents her humanitarian legacy and impact. Kensington Palace wanted her ‘warmth, elegance and energy’ conveyed.
Yet the sculpture shows a version of Diana, without her famous smile, without a flowing gown, and instead a serious facial expression with simple and smart attire. A stark contrast from our visions of what a royal should look like and certainly opposite of what we all envision a royal ‘princess’ to look like.
However, as Diana was known as the ‘People’s Princess’, perhaps Ian Rank-Broadley purposely held back on the glamour, royal tradition and anything that represents a royal British monarchy.
A monarchy where Diana clearly never felt at home.
Because in this light, there is no distraction from the underlying truth; the honour of a simple woman who valued human life and explicitly gave love that is required to protect that, not only with her own sons, but with the world at large.
The question then becomes do we consume art from our expectations or from what is actually being expressed, whether overstated or understated, simple or complex, basic or grandiose? And can we see that truth beyond our beliefs and expectations?
Art, an unveiling of a truth that lies in the eyes of the beholder, evoking us and challenging us to see that truth.
What do you see?
We asked a couple of artists and galleries we work with to answer this same question, here are their perspectives.
Melanie Comber, Artist
“The enormity and emotional expectation associated with this commission cannot be underestimated. A figure so publicly revered as Diana, would prove a very difficult subject matter for any artist.
The finished result with its conservative nature, while disappointing, probably fulfils the brief as a piece of public sculpture which can be appreciated by the majority.
From an artist’s point of view, in my mind, compositionally, I feel that the central figure is far too big. Her proportions are quite masculine and lumbering. Had she been in an elevated position, on a plinth, these large proportions might have been more successful, but at eye level, it feels confusing. I also despair at the Dickensian style ‘urchins’ which surround her.
Melanie Comber Frobisher Bay 2019 110cm x170cm John Moores
Their appearance seems quaint, dated and quite disconnected from the central figure. To immortalise a public figure in bronze so associated with vitality and vibrancy during their lifetime, is a very difficult ask. This is no war memorial,. This is an attempt to capture a plethora of human frailties and strengths as a part of a story which ended in tragedy. The weight of that subject matter is enormous.
This project bought to mind the recent controversy with Maggi Hambling’s portrayal of Mary Wollstonecraft. How should women be commemorated as statues, as a figurative portrayal? or as Maggi suggested as the ‘Every Woman’? its an interesting debate and I am not sure that either of these works answers those questions succinctly.
What would I have done differently? I would have run away from this commission as fast as my legs could carry me..!”
Annabel Seal – YAP Young Artist Partnership Director
“Ian Rank-Broadley is an Institutional favourite that’s for certain, being a designer for the royal mint. His previous work such as Lord Rochester, His Whore & a Monkey, Josephine Baker in full dancing swing, The Armed Forces Memorial and now Diana… The memorial depicts a clunky looking Diana shielding three children of the world. The statue is larger than life and sculpted to depict her exact likeness, understandable as her sons commissioned the work. The addition of three children seems to have been a hasty and confusing decision, was the artist worried she would be a figure standing alone?
Perhaps, Rank-Broadley could have borrowed Maggi Hambling’s material from her hotly debated sculpture of Mary Woolstencroft on Newington Green, 2020. Hambling depicted an allegorical figure of feminism, a woman rising up on a wave of silvered bronze. This material gives the work (whether the nudity is relevant or not) an ethereal and modern appearance.This method of material could have emboldened the Diana statue, allowing the lumpen bronze to project more of a celebration of her life.”
Emilia Kate Samson, Modification by Descent, 50 x 25 x 24 cm
ABOUT YAP
Young Artist Partnership aims to support young artists on their career path, providing a forum for their works, mentoring with existing artists, and showing them how to commercialise their practice.
Chica Seal Countess,Oil on board,48 x 60 cm
With an online presence and skilfully curated exhibitions they endeavour to make ‘young’ art accessible to all and to provide a market for collectors and those interested in supporting artists starting out and growing their careers.
Vivienne Laurence, Cicco, White Alabaster 60 x 21 x 19 cm
Showcasing our talented tribe of Emerging and Emerged (Guest) Artists latest artworks, we support charities including: Article 12 Arts, and St Mungo’s. Article 12 Arts provide creative materials and opportunities for young refugees, children in need and those seeking asylum to enjoy and express themselves.
Vivienne Laurence, Circle, Brown Alabaster on an oak base ,44 x 46 x 17 cm
Vivienne Laurence, Aduni, Cast bronze, Edition of 8
St Mungo’s works to prevent homelessness and support people at every step of their recovery from homelessness.
As art plays such an integral and influential role in society, when we question the perspectives of art, especially public works, we examine the notions of symbolism and their expressions to clarify our sentiments not only for our personal understanding, but moreover as a timestamp for a connected global society in that moment in time.
Supplier Statements at London Design Week
London Design Week at Chelsea Harbour is one of our favourite local design events where some of the worlds most talented designers, craftsmen and artisan never cease to fill our interior design cups with inspiring new ideas and concepts.
As luxury interior designers we are keenly interested in the visions of the interior design industry and the notions they reveal and resonate with our sensitivities.
As the world slowly reemerges from a pandemic standstill, there is one underlying current that was palpable at Chelsea Harbour this year….Escapism. And rightly so!
Here is a vivid selection of our suppliers newest collections and products at London Design Week.
As we work very closely with our suppliers, we are always so excited to experience their new designs.
Andrew Martin
Showcasing their new collection in collaboration with Sophie Patterson, Andrew Martin’s Condor Collection takes us to the Andean mountains with these organically rich and exotic textures and stripes of their cushions and textiles.
Porta Romana
Escaping to the jungle with authentic colours reminding us raw coconut and tropical wildlife, Porta Romana’s new lamps and lighting brings a paradisiacal elegance to our senses.
Julian Chichester
Exotic dreams are synonymously present with Julian Chichester’s timeless style design with all his pieces.
The statement “Gin” drinks cabinet and “Medusa” red gesso wall light are innovative and eclectic; the token individualistic style of Chichester designs.
Dedar
The jacquard motifs from Dedar send us on an exploration of the relationships between our architectural contexts and the natural world in which we live with a coup d’oeil to our historical worldly influences.
The textures are a testament to their art of Italian textile reinvention.
Vaughan
Delving into the ethers of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Vaughan’s Chawton collection gives us an esoteric curiosity about time past and the stories held within them.
Their ‘Longparish’ mirror and ‘Broughton’ bobbin chair play on our sensitivities of a good tale, a hidden history and the subtle art of storytelling.
Arteriors
The exceptional artistry and craftsmanship in Arterior’s Spring/Summer 21 collection carries two narratives of natural rhythms and tactile monochrome.
This deep-seated collection reminds us of our native roots and our natural foundations wherever the origins maybe.
A presence of our own humanity.
Altfield
Altfield’s curation of luxury textiles is always impeccable. We found the ‘Exotica’ fabric on the sofa completely congruent with elegant authenticity. The “Linum” wallcovering was divine and classy.
A signpost for luxury in character and composition.
We are so passionate about attending interior design industry trade shows to view the latest inspirations from such talented artists and designers, especially young artists.
This year we are working with YAP Young Artist Partnership which aims to support young artists on their career path, providing a forum for their works, mentoring with existing artists, and showing them how to commercialise their practice. Founded and ran by Run by Louisa Higgs and Annabel Seal, we found some of their art so beautiful and inspiring.
Point of View by Kate Viner
For more information about YAP- Young Artist Partnership you can visit their website at www.yapart.co.uk.
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