REFURBISHMENT OF AN ART DEALER’S RESIDENCE FOR EDWARD SPEELMAN
BACKGROUND
Edward Speelman is a leading fine art dealer of high-end classic art based in the heart of London. This family business was jointly developed by his grandfather, father and brother who traded in specialist artistic works.
Location: London W1S
Company Size: 3 Staff
Project Size: 2,000 Sqft
Sector: Art
Duration: 9 weeks
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Edward Speelman engaged Cityspace to relocate their private offices and client viewing facilities. This was the second time we had managed their office relocation. The most recent move was required due to their space on St James being re developed. After an exhaustive property selection process in St James and Mayfair, a suitable new space was selected on Saville Row. The new location had to provide appropriate surroundings and be discreet and secure. It also required good natural light as the company dealt in artworks of exceptional quality, rarity, and historical significance, created by renowned artists. The space additionally needed to have a hot kitchen to provide lunches for private dining and client events. They also needed specialist storage areas for period frames, and extensive research materials and books.
CHALLENGES AND EXPECTATIONS
The lease for the building terminated mid Covid19 pandemic. Given the legislation in place at the time to prevent Covid19 spread, the project had to be delivered within the building rules and guidelines specifically introduced during this period. This required careful management of the project environment, including the health and safety management of the project team. We had many challenges with finding materials and furniture we needed for the project. This was particularly challenging, as many cabinetmakers had furloughed their entire workforce, thus adding to the complexity of the project.
Cityspace worked diligently to ensure that the quality of work provided was consistent with the client’s previous experience. Our designers worked with their management team, discussing each room and its functionality. We were tasked with changing an empty office floor into a series of rooms to meet the exacting client design brief. To meet the building regulations and respond to the landlord concerns regarding a hot kitchen, much thought had to be given to the extraction of cooking smells, fire prevention and the best routes for services through the period space. The host building had many period features, so great care had to be taken not to damage decorative mouldings. To maximise the space, as well as accommodate the storage, all rooms incorporated bespoke furniture.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Cityspace modelled the space using a 3d Design package. This enabled us to convey the design ideas in a way which helped the client see the designer’s vision and understand the room layouts, their size and proposed function. We further recommended taping the floors of the rooms, so that they could visit privately to access the space. We developed the designs with one of our high-quality cabinet makers, adding lighting to ensure fine art works could be exhibited. The dining room was sized to fit the existing furniture and provide a residential feel. The kitchen was sized so it could manage 10 guests for their annual Christmas lunch. There was also enough space for a private office and administration facility. It was important to the client that the main room used for the purposes of art viewings, could be acoustically private and generate good natural light. We opted for a timeless colour pallet and materials that reflected a more contemporary, residential feel.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
The new space, including viewing area, was successfully built with a homely feel, with the addition of an area for refreshments. These design features offered greater flexibility to host clients, whilst ensuring that appropriate artistic advice and support could be provided within a private consultation space.
