This month, Lanassir Gunton, Director of Swank Interiors, reveals more about the collaboration with Soho Fine Art in Norwich city centre – giving an insight into how the design inspiration for the viewing room space came together
When I was invited to collaborate with Soho Fine Art to decorate their viewing room, as with any space that I design I felt it should be more than just a ‘nice space with furniture’. As soon as I saw the space, flanked either side by chrome-framed smoked glass panels and a high ceiling with Industrial style lights, I was instantly taken back to my childhood and growing up in the 1980s. The space has become an art installation itself, reflecting my personal style and career that has been very much influenced by ’80’s culture.
My favourite film of all time is ‘Flashdance’ and the warehouse apartment that Alex (the main character) lived in was very much something I aspired to. It was not grand and glamorous but unusual and quirky. I also remember watching the news and seeing the warehouse apartments along the Thames being converted and this type of living intrigued me. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked on many apartments in industrial conversions in Norwich, including Westlegate Tower, Albion Mill and Amelia House.
One of the key objectives with the installation was to demonstrate that you don’t need to match your artwork to your interior or indeed your interior to your artwork. It is about surrounding yourself with what you love. Personally, I enjoy layering art against different colours and textures and have applied two very different wall coverings in the space: one wall is covered in a dark, moody, wood-style that gives a very industrial feel, while the other emulates a vivid aqua glossy lacquer. It’s interesting to see how different pieces look against these backdrops. Depending on the wall colour, a painting can look dramatic or a particular colour may become prominent.
When my mum and I first moved into our flat we had a pine-framed flatpack sofa with a large cushion covering the seat and back. For this project I have chosen similar: simple, loft-style chairs with cushions upholstered in a vibrant, printed velvet that reminds me of a dress I wore as a child that was a definite nod to graffiti, a big part of ‘80’s culture. The fabric is from one of my wonderful independent suppliers, The Monkey Puzzle Tree and is called ‘Rita does jazz’, designed by artist Sarah Thornton – and it has its narrative inspired by Sarah’s late mother, with a riotous depiction of freedom, colour and self-expression – a lady who loved nothing better than a night out at legendary London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s.
The resin-topped console table symbolises ‘creating and craft’ – for as long as I can remember, I have always loved to make things and experiment with different ideas. I have taken a simple table and drizzled coloured resins for this unique piece.
I have always been a big fan of The Memphis Group, An Italian design and architecture group founded by Ettore Sottsass in 1980 and I took inspiration from the bold colours and geometric shapes with the pink stool and orange lamp. The palm tree is a playful nod to ‘Club Tropicana’ by Wham – possibly the most memorable song for me of the era!
I hope you have enjoyed a trip down memory lane and the thought process behind each piece that makes up this interior – please do pop into Soho Fine Art in Royal Arcade, Norwich to see the installation and ever changing artwork.
Visit Swank Interiors and Soho Fine Art.
Featured image of Lanassir Gunton – supplied
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