When Art Meets Design
09/04/24At Taylor Howes we are passionate about sourcing unique and beautiful pieces to use within the design of our projects. Part of what makes Taylor Howes special is our trusted network of incredible suppliers, some of whom we have built up a wonderful rapport with over our 30 years in the industry. We are always looking for emerging talent and gifted artists to collaborate with to maintain the highest standard of craftsmanship within our designs. It is these well-chosen pieces which embody the key principles of design to present something truly exceptional to our clients, creating a home truly unique for them.
With a background studying in Furniture Design & Making, I have a keen appreciation for craft and the talent that goes into the pieces we specify for our clients, be that artwork, furniture, or even hand-painted and hand-embroidered panelling. I have made it my goal this year to ensure I take time out of the office to speak to the makers themselves and to get a full understanding of the processes behind the items we are using. By visiting workshops to witness the craftsmanship first-hand, as well as attending exhibitions and art trade fairs to glean inspiration for our projects, these events can also help us develop designs for our own bespoke pieces. Recently we have created some elegant lighting designs, based on a Lalique dragonfly pendant and a bar stool inspired by a decorative jade paper knife, after having attended an antique fair that had some of the most exquisite pieces of jewellery on display.
Since visiting several supplier workshops and seen the Creatives in action, it has led me to debate where we draw the line between ‘art’ and ‘design’? The definition of art is ‘the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.’ We are often receiving requests from our clients to add specialist gallery pieces to their homes. There is a desire to incorporate furniture that is ‘one-of-a-kind’, and you could argue that these pieces are still produced using the ‘application of creative skill and imagination’. These are not only functional pieces, but are intended to be striking and designed to impress, exuding luxury and evoking emotion in the same way art does. We display accessories and artwork for enjoyment, so there is no reason as to why can’t rationalise furniture as art, particularly when considering the care and attention to detail that goes into producing these pieces, with a return to artistry techniques, blurring the lines between art and furniture design.
Taylor Howes are lucky to have worked with some incredible suppliers, such as British marquetry designer and artisan Olivia Faire, who we commissioned to create some delightful framed panels for us that sit like artwork within this sideboard unit.
Internationally renowned gallery Charles Burnand created a statement entrance piece for one of our London residential projects, crafted from Murano glass with hand-silvering finish and we love the texture and depth it gives to the piece.
Another example is this headboard wall that presents itself as artwork behind the master bed, with upholstered headboard panels that were embroidered with beautiful beading by Geraldine Larkin.
Taylor Howes will continue to evolve over the next 30 years with our innovative suppliers offering new and exciting pieces, and as always, executed to the highest standard in an array of materials and designs.
Hannah Woollard
Senior Project Coordination Manager
