On the verge of a temperate Sydney Spring, Martyn Cook (Antiques) and Thomas Hamel (Design) last night (August 31) gave family, friends and colleagues a real treat, a preview glimpse of the splendid new decorative arts gallery venture they have embarked on together, which will open to everyone very soon.
A line up of limousines blocked the way up the tiny street as locals were given a taste of what is to come in the historic suburb of Redfern, now well on its way to redefining itself and revitalizing its future.
In homage to Thomas, who as a young American interior designer arrived on Australian shores 20 years ago, everyone was sipping classic Martini’s, described by influential American writer of the first half of the 20th century H.L. Mencken as “the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet”.
Everyone present would have felt what they experienced last night was more than worthy of a sonnet as they celebrated Thomas and Martyn’s vision, and viewed an incredible work in progress, which was lit by discreet spotlights and candles covered by giant glass domes.
Each group arriving gasped as they emerged out of the darkened street into an historic building re-defined as the complete modernist experience, one French architect La Corbusier would have very much approved of, as it allowed everyone to enjoy a spiritual uplift as they moved through its many spaces.
At the entrance a giant relaxed Buddah serenely sat on the end of a long rustic table loaded down with scented blossoms. It was a splendid scene of understated elegance, one these two clever creative men know just how to deliver. As Martyn said in his speech, we haven’t finished yet, and our opening night celebration is yet to come.
There are four levels, including a special outdoor sheltered courtyard on level one. From the ground floor to the top floor large white crystalline spaces continually gave way to more intimate caves, some painted with a dark charcoal colour that threw deep olive lights in the flickering candlelight. Each area brought together masterpieces of contemporary art with exciting furniture and objects of fine quality and craftsmanship in a display that was both contemplative and inspiring.
The evening was all about launching Thomas’s first book, Residence, which provides an insight into his multifarious talents in creative decor so that his clients enjoy the art of living. It is indeed a splendid publication and many of them were there to support him.
It has been quite a challenge for Martyn, Thomas and the rest of their team of family and colleagues who surround them. Revitalizing heritage spaces sensitively requires real skill and an investment in cultural development. But, based on what everyone experienced, they are certainly more than up to the task.
Both rhyme and reason have come together in reinventing the Redfern Municipal Electric Light Station into a great new Sydney fine and decorative arts gallery of incredible grace and style.
Carolyn McDowall August 31, 2010
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