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| A view of Matt Mitchell's stand |
Venture up to the second floor and you will discover a design lover's haven. Ever since Matt Mitchell London moved in four years ago, their eye for modernism and unusual decorative pieces has transformed the Second Floor Gallery into a breathtaking 20th century design destination. They have recently expanded, adorning the extra light-filled space with their extensive collection of well designed objects evoking timeless beauty.
We asked Matt Mitchell a few questions...
How did Matt Mitchell London begin?
It all began with a Bertoia chair in the travel agent next door to Vivienne Westwood’s shop, Seditionaries, on the King’s Road back in the '70s. I was about 15. I asked the manager if I could buy it - he said no at first but eventually said yes, and that was the beginning.
How would your describe your stock?
It’s a very personal mix of individual pieces. At the heart of the collection is the simple aesthetic of European modernism, with a touch of glamour.
Do you have any personal favourites in your collection?
I particularly like a rare brass vanity mirror from Sweden for the fabulous patina – and coming soon we have a terrific set of Italian teak dining chairs with very unusual architectural lines - but overall I think my current favourite is a fantastic minimal steel ceiling light with extra long brass stems and brass details. It’s a 1950s piece from the Netherlands, and that’s all we know, but it has a strong presence, and would be a great piece to go over a dining table.
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| Personal favourite: Rare 1960s brass vanity mirror, available at Matt Mitchell London |
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| Personal favourite: 1950s minimal steel ceiling light with brass details, available at Matt Mitchell London |
What is the most highly sought after item you have in at the moment?
We have a beautiful Boomerang chair by the Danish designer, Peter Hvidt, with new linen upholstery and seductive feather cushions. I bought this piece for myself about 30 years ago, and as they’re very much harder to find these days I think I might keep it!
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| Boomerang chair by Danish designer, Peter Hvidt, available at Matt Mitchell London |
Which designer do you admire the most and why?
I like Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld because they made everything from chairs to lampposts and even trams.
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| Pyramid Chair by Wim Rietveld, available at Matt Mitchell London |
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| Friso Kramer "Reply" Drafting Table, available at Matt Mitchell London |
What piece would you love to find?
At the moment I’d love to find a Maico Mobil scooter, and I’d love to be able to afford it if I did!
Your favourite film set design and why?
This is a great question! There are some beautiful scenes in Mon Oncle by Jacques Tati. I like the counterpoint between the Uncle’s apartment and the modern house. It was one of the early influences on my interest in design.
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| A scene from Mon Oncle, 1958 |
If you could own any piece of art from history what would it be?
I recently visited the Cosmonauts exhibition at the Science Museum, so I’m currently thinking about Soviet bronzes or any other Soviet Constructivist works.
What do you think is the next big interior trend?
I’ve never been a big believer in trends, I prefer to follow my own instinct. I like pieces with character and history, that look like they belong and might always have been around, rather than pieces we’ve added to follow rules. I think a lot of people who shop with us approach their choices that way. It’s not a question of getting a look, more of something indefinable and individual.
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| A view of Matt Mitchell's stand |
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| A view of Matt Mitchell's stand |
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| French Modernist Dining Sets, 1960s, available at Matt Mitchell London |
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| Brass & Silk Fringe Chandelier, Sweden 1960s, available at Matt Mitchell London |
Matt Mitchell London will be holding a Midsummer Sale in Rooms S011 and S013 with special prices on selected pieces across their other Second Floor Gallery showrooms. For more info please contact Matt or Jayne, details below.
Matt Mitchell London
Second Floor Gallery | Stands S001-S013
Tel: 07776 196 550 | Email: matt@mattmitchell-london.com
www.mattmitchell-london.com
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Just around the corner at stand S052, is Creative Jewellery Company whose main area of speciality is in hand made unique jewellery, custom made for each individual to their own personal requirements. They also provide a jewellery repair and restoration service.
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| Face of Fortune chandelier earrings, inspired by the Mouth of Truth in the Church of Santa Maria, Rome. By Creative Jewellery Company |
Read our blog post about Creative Jewellery company here.
Creative Jewellery Company
Second Floor Gallery | Stand S052 | Tel: 07754 059 856
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