Design
Charles Burnand Gallery
Inside the new space, Linda Boronkay’s Veiled Chaise, Alexandra Champalimaud’s Tana Pendant, and Mia Jung’s Cloud Mirror.
Image courtesy of: 1st Dibs, photographed by: Sophia Spring
Well into its second decade, Charles Burnand Gallery continues to evolve in the best of ways. Founded by Simon Stewart in 2009, the studio represents a number of established and emerging artists and designers. Stewart forged forth with the idea of a gallery when he noticed an increasing demand for both bespoke and custom pieces.
The artists and designers represented by the gallery all adhere to Burnand’s ethos of pushing boundaries and using only materials of the highest quality. Stewart quickly realized that by nurturing artisanal skills, his artisans would be able to utilize their talents to a higher degree. Currently, the gallery represents 22 artists, including Stewart himself.
Last year, Steward debuted a new collectible gallery in the heart of London’s art district. Inside the two-story, 2,700-square-foot gallery, pieces by artisans from around the world are displayed in an intelligently curated way. New however is a custom commission studio that allows clients to be a part of the design and production process. Stewart told 1st Dibs, “Our new gallery allows us to show our pieces in one place, allowing our clients to engage with the ‘world’ of Charles Burnand. It is also a dedicated space where we can work with designers, architects and collectors to bring their ideas to fruition.”
The Design and Production Studio enables architects and designers to commission custom pieces from the makers represented at Charles Burnand Gallery. Interestingly though, many of the makers are themselves interior designers who enjoy taking commissions through the gallery.
The Charles Burnand x Alexandra Champalimaud limited-edition, capsule collection.
About the project, the revered designer said, “I am thrilled to be collaborating with Charles Burnand on this bespoke collection. There’s both a creative and easy understanding between us that has truly revealed itself in the process of creating these pieces. The use of materials in the pieces, the tactility and the elevated craftsmanship speak to both our commitment and approach to design. There is also a strong poetic synergy, a grace that reflects in the final form.”
Image courtesy of: Sleeper
The gallery’s collaborative process between the artisans, clients, and collectors is unique because clients have constant and immediate access to the artists and designers. About the exclusive pieces of lighting and furniture made to the gallery’s standards, Stewart said (courtesy of Stir Pad) “We work with honest, noble and sustainable materials and we have honed our skills to create unique, one-of-a-kind and edition pieces that are appreciated by collectors worldwide.”
The Charles Burnand x Alexandra Champalimaud collaboration in 2020, as an example, was a pivotal point for the studio; it is part of the Charles Burnand Icons Collection. Comprised of a bespoke sofa, coffee table, and pendant, the inspiration was informed by the (courtesy of Sleeper) “volume and graciousness of North American glaciers.” Each piece was hand-crafted in London and can exist independently or as grouping for a “statement.”
Mia Jung’s “Cloud Console,” 2018. Murano glass, hand-silvering.
Image courtesy of: Crafts Council, photographed by: Graham Pearson
Stewart’s philosophy comes, in part, from his eclectic background and constant curiosity. A musician in a former life, he played clarinet and saxophone for major orchestras before deciding to following his mother into design. For years, Cathy Stewart was known as one of London’s top florists prior to opening a “lifestyle store” in 2020. Stewart joined his mom on her first buying trip and says that he was instantly hooked. Until the new space in Fitzrovia opened last year, Stewart’s gallery was essentially his mother’s North London store on steroids.
Using the finest materials and honoring traditional methods while combining cutting-edge technology is at the heart of the gallery. That, plus an understanding that “world-class collectable design is a process which takes time- the time to consider details, the time to make.”
A bespoke chandelier commissions from 2020. Cast bronze, hand-blown Murano glass. The fixture was designed for Cullman & Kravis, a NYC design firm. As requested, a set of three pendants were created to hang along a colonnade.
Image courtesy of: Charles Burnand Gallery, photographed by: Graham Pearson
It is truly lovely that Stewart also designs for his label, Charles Burnand Gallery. He is particular to experimenting with mica, a non-metallic mineral that is made up of a series of plants or leaves; it can be easily split into thin sheets. Curating the gallery is a task that Stewart does not take lightly, which is why he answered the calling to design pieces himself. With the added knowledge of “what it takes,” Stewart is now taking Charles Burnand Gallery into a progressive chapter in the beautiful, new, London headquarters!
