A commission for Veuve Clicquot
A few years ago in 2016, a story I’ve not shared on LWSY until now, I was invited to present a design to the Directors of Champagne Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.
As an ambassador to the brand at the time, I was approached as an independent British interior designer to design the final 6th bedroom of the residence, a by-invitation only Hotel Particular in the heart of Reims, the former home of Madame Clicquot.
Built in 1840, the property survived both world wars with some impressive war wounds by way of shrapnel pockmarked exteriors walls. The property fell into disrepair over the decades and in 2007 luxury group LVMH, which acquired Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin in 1986, commissioned the designer architect Bruno Moinard, famous for his projects with Cartier and Hermès, to undertake its entire renovation over the course of four years. The result is extraordinary. I was delighted to be awarded the honour to design the final bedroom, with the brief of a British interior, the contents of the room, designed and made in the UK.
The top of the grand staircase leading to the bedrooms
Each room is named after a person, season and country. The first room is dedicated to Asia and is painted in soft blue and gold. The second dedicated to Italy and the Autumn season, the colours are warm, brick, red and brown to represent the vines. The third room is a metaphor, the colours are white and ice, blue like the bright sky, and the textiles are very soft and comfy, this room is dedicated to Russia. The Japanese room is dedicated to springtime, pale soft greens, with glorious old kimonos adorning the walls. The USA room is an explosion of the house label colours, yellow and gold and represents summer time.
The final room, the British Bedroom was the smallest room previously home to an installation. This room had magnificent views over the gardens. The palette was simple in colour but rich in texture and luxury materials. Atelier Tourtoulou were commissioned to undertake the works.
I began by curating the materials, a fine black and white Noriker horse hair upholstery by John Boyd for the headboard, I chose a buffalo calf leather Opera chair by Soane alongside a black walnut desk with custom Veuve Clicquot yellow label leather inlay and hand cast brass hardware by Amy Somerville. The boucle and linen cushions are de La Cuona.
An original Gilbert & George self portrait photograph was selected from the house archives
Installation photographs taken in December 2016
c/o Veuve Clicquot for LWSY