The Gallery Restaurant at Sketch, London > A space by India Mahdavi for David Shrigley

Sketch is one of those design locations that has the ability to transform itself at the drop of a hat. Every time I have visited, usually in the evenings, there is always  a buzz in the air, who might you sit next to, who will you spot in the Parlour. Sketch is unique, the only other place I can compare it to is the SLS Hotel in LA during the first year it opened. This is a design or/and art lovers foodie paradise. Set over two expansive floors you can hardly believe it’s been here since 2002. I certainly remember the excitement of entering if you could pass the velvet rope all those years ago.

On London’s Conduit Street, the building, (No 9) was designed by James Wyatt in 1779. Previously the HQ for the RIBA and later becoming Christian Dior’s London Atelier, there is a fair amount of heritage to upkeep. Sketch continues to experiment in design, art and architecture and this latest collaboration between India Mahdavi (yes my all time favourite designer) and artist Davidgreat sense of excitement having followed the designers work around the world over the years.

Sketch is of course an incredible space, but India Mahdavi has the ability to sprinkle some kind of magic sparkle onto every project her studio undertakes. Without question, this is clearly a Mahdavi space.

The Gallery restaurant re-opened it’s doors early this June 2014. Following an invitation by owner Mourad Mazouz, India Mahdavi was enlisted to create a new restaurant setting for a body of works by British Artist David Shrigley. This installation has transformed The Gallery into the largest installation of original works by the artist with 239 new drawings lining the walls, and new ceramic tableware by manufactured by Caverswall. Chef Pierre Gagnaire, has come up with a new menu to accompany the Shrigley set, have a quick scan of the menu here. Whether you want to pop in for fish & chips, lobster or a glorious Afternoon Tea, then The Gallery is your place. 

Mahdavi is expert in creating a soothing environment, for example L’Apogée in Courchevel, or Hotel Thoumieux in Paris. Regardless of her bold use of shapes and colour, the custom made furniture upholstered in this bubblegum pink velvet offers a very bourgeois design here at Sketch. I’m particularly captivated by the striking floor (doesn’t it remind you of Céline on Mount St?!). Richard Nicoll was enlisted to create the staff uniforms.

“It will be the first artwork that I have made that can go in the dishwasher…” Shrigley

Shrigley’s plate design reflects the restaurant’s location in the West End of London.

Sketch, 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG

The tableware will be available to purchase from July via Sketch. The drawings are available via the Stephen Friedman Gallery.

Images courtesy of Sketch / Scott & Co.

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LWSY