Generally, this is my criteria for deciding whether something I see is also something that I like enough to feature here on the website: I can’t stop smiling, I feel little bubbles of excitement rising up in my chest and, in extreme cases, need to jump up and down for joy too and run around shouting “look at this, just LOOK AT THIS!”. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way – these reactions will resonate with fellow colour, pattern and design lovers, I’m sure.
Last year, though, when I first saw these sumptuous, sculpted leather wall panels by Genevieve Bennett, I realised that not only was I was sitting absolutely stock-still, but also that I’d been holding my breath the whole time that I’d been looking through her website. On top of that, I was absolutely speechless. Stunned. I think her work is exquisite and, literally, breathtakingly beautiful. You feel as if you could reach out and touch the soft, rich leather, and the superbly crafted detail is so lovingly highlighted by these wonderful photographs. So whilst her work isn’t particularly new on the scene, I wanted to bring it to you anyway; as we only launched in January this year, there are many, many gorgeous products from the recent past that I just can’t bear not to showcase. Plus, we’re not just interested in what’s new, or the latest trends; here at colourful beautiful things we’re all about timeless design and craftsmanship.
After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2000, where she studied mixed media and printed textiles, Genevieve Bennett worked as a freelance design consultant for companies such as Habitat, Tom Dixon and Wedgwood.
Her leather-work business was established in 2008, creating bespoke, award-winning products that are utterly contemporary, but draw on a variety of traditional techniques and processes to achieve the three-dimensional, sculptural, and surface relief patterns that are her trademark. Emphasis is on beautiful material and exquisite craftsmanship, as illustrated by these extraordinary images.
Products fall into two main categories, sculpted leather panelling as shown above, and leather tiles. The hand-sculpted panels are suitable for wall coverings, use in bespoke furniture such as folding screens, doors and inlaid into cabinets, headboards for beds, and bar fronts; they can also be used as wall-mounted pieces of art. Existing designs can be customised to client speciifications, or entirely bespoke pieces can be created.
The leather tiles, as shown below, come in 12 standard designs (12″ square) and 26 standard colours, but some designs can also be produced in custom sizes. Do visit this section of the website – there are more stunning geometric designs to see there.
Genevieve’s work is very much at the luxury end of the market, and will probably remain objects of desire for most of us. I for one, however, am more than happy to simply look, admire, enjoy and be utterly, utterly uplifted.
For more information contact Genevieve Bennett, 07970 972 325, www.genevievebennett.com
Images: Genevieve Bennett
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