PROMOTION

BRITISH DESIGN here to stay

David Linley has been pushing the envelope of British design ever since he started LINLEY in 1985. With a new store opening in the Burlington Arcade, GEMMA TAYLOR discovers what makes this shop special

FOR DESIGNER DAVID LINLEY, England has always been a home but London is where his heart is. It proves to be a continual source of inspiration for his furniture and accessories shop, LINLEY, and the perfect backdrop for its collections. “In one way or another, London is reflected in everything we do,” says Linley. This obsession with the capital city is evident from his latest range of boxes, which have the London skyline as a marquetry inlay, and the amusing architectural miniatures of iconic London buildings such as Apsley House, Chiswick House and the Royal Albert Hall. “Many of our clients live in London and if they don’t live in London, they love London. We design for this customer.” Linley explains that this store will be different because “we will be focusing much more on gifts and accessories of

THE KENSINGTON & CHELSEA MAGAZINE 081 an international appeal, because people from all over the world visit the Arcade.” A range of humidors feature flags from all over the world, represented in marquetry inlay, a jewellery box features the skyline of New York, again in marquetry inlay, and a box design is inspired by the Ballet Russes (an early- 1900s itinerant Russian ballet company). As the Burlington Arcade store is smaller than other outlets, it gives it a more intimate and homely feel. This not only makes the gifts and accessories stand out but also “makes people feel very relaxed in the space”, observes Linley. The pièce de résistance of this year’s collection is an exquisite desk made to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Fashioned from walnut and Bombay rosewood, the main gallery of the desk is an architectural miniature of the distinctive Horse Guards’ Building designed by William Kent in 1745, a building which will undoubtedly be familiar; every year Her Majesty’s official birthday is celebrated with the Trooping of the Colour in front of it. This piece is a true example of fine craftsmanship and took more than 1,400 hours of cabinet-making. Among other attributes are at least seven secret drawers, the most hidden of which contains marquetry inlay depicting one of the horse guards. The desk is being sold in aid of The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry later this year. Linley believes that the Olympics have shown that the identity and concept of ‘Britishness’ has been re-affirmed and that “Britain has demonstrated to the world and to ourselves that Britishness is synonymous with

“Britain has demonstrated to the world that Britishness is synonymous with innovation” innovation and creativity; a cultural melting-pot of ideas with an exciting future.” He adds that “as the focus turns increasingly to the merits of craftsmanship and design within the luxury goods world, Britain has the heritage and expertise to champion this, as well as key players within this field. The renaissance of British design is here to stay.” If you’ve been swept up in Jubilee fever and want to reflect that in your home but don’t know how, Linley has a key tip to heed before starting. “Think about how you live your life, not how you should live your life. Never be a slave to fashion within your home. If you adhere to the whims of fashion, your home will appear faddish and you will only want to change it six months down the line.” So for those with great taste, the Burlington Arcade is an historic destination representing the best of London and Britain, both in terms of the Arcade itself and the retailers within. It is the ideal location for a quintessentially British brand such as Linley, which prides itself on developing products that epitomise the best of British craftsmanship. PROMOTION

NEWS FROM THE BURLINGTON ARCADE In an exciting new addition to the Burlington Arcade, jeweller Theo Fennell has arrived for the first time, bringing his luxury diamond and ruby accessories to the shopping mecca. This new store aims to take the customer inside Fennell’s mind during the design process. “Short of surgery”, he jokes that he has settled with showing the process of the design alongside the finished articles.

Fennell’s latest creation is a prime example of his personal style: “A King’s Road bracelet made up as railings with a bicycle attached, and the road sign perfectly reproduced in hand painted enamels,” he explains. Such attention to detail and unusual design defines Fennell.

The Burlington Arcade also continues with the on-going restoration to preserve its almost 200 year heritage since it was unveiled in 1819. From floor to ceiling, each detail of the Arcade is to be delicately restored to ensure its lasting beauty and aesthetic.

Fine jewellery designer Wright & Teague has also newly arrived at the Burlington Arcade, creating each piece within the very walls of their store. The collections are inspired by tribal, modern and ancient societies, the vision of which also fits beautifully with that of the Arcade. The Burlington Arcade has kept up its name as a unique shopping destination, home to both contemporary and classic designers, where Lulu Guinness’ pop-art accessories can be found next to The Vintage Watch Company’s famously large collection of vintage Rolex timepieces.

INSPIRATION STATION

What are you listening to? The Arctic Monkeys covering The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Animals.

What are you reading? 21 Twenty One: 21 Designers for Twenty-first Century Britain by Gareth Williams. His selections are small, independent studios and their work tends to the fantastic rather than the functional. It reminds us how much design has become about discussing what contemporary Britain is or should be.

Which designer is inspiring you? Thomas Heatherwick. He created the Olympic 2012 cauldron with the 204 copper “petals” that create the flame.

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