02 Jun 2015
Described variously as 'London's first Pop Art building'[1] and a 'beehive hairdo of a tower'[2] with 'an elegance worthy of a Wren steeple'[3], since its debut in the 1960s Centre Point had divided opinions, making it one of the most talked-about buildings in London. To celebrate the revival of this Grade II listed London landmark, Anglepoise® and Centre Point have formed a unique collaboration which was unveiled for the first time at Clerkenwell Design Week.
As part of its redevelopment of the sixties skyscraper, Almacantar, London property developer, commissioned three prints by renowned British print designer, Eley Kishimoto. 'Private Views', 'Urban Meadow' and 'Central Link' will be applied to three striking new editions of the iconic Original 1227™ desk lamp. Printed in monochromatic shades of black, white and grey, the geometry of the patterns reflect the way shadow and sunlight fall on the building and emphasise its powerful sixties aesthetic. While the patterns are all inspired by the distinctive textures and form of Centre Point, the ergonomic simplicity of the Anglepoise® lamps reflects the building's engineering majesty.
Londoners who have recently passed by Centre Point, which connects London's most vibrant neighbourhoods; Soho, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury, may identify one of the prints as the wrap that has enveloped the 385ft tower since work began on the redevelopment. “Private Views” is one of a series of 17 patterns that will be used for a number of brand collaborations in which Anglepoise® comes first.
Simon Terry, Innovation and Brand Director of Anglepoise®, says, “We were drawn to this project not least because of its association with a landmark building that demands to be heard as well as seen but also because it allowed us to develop challenging new technical skills - for the first time applying a complex geometric pattern onto the inside of the shade - working in association with the globally renowned 'Patron Saints of Print.”
Mark Eley of Eley Kishimoto comments, “When creating the prints for this project we were inspired by the aesthetic of the building. The repetitive, geometric, monochromatic patterns represent Centre Point's iconic Sixties architecture and it's really exciting to see them perfectly reproduced onto the Anglepoise® lamps; no mean feat in itself.”
Kathrin Hersel, Development Director of Almacantar, comments, “Anglepoise® + Centre Point is a unique interpretation of the collision of two unmistakable designs and we're delighted to be working with a design classic that is globally recognised – it's a perfect partner for the Centre Point building.”
The three Original 1227™ Desk Lamps - Private Views / Urban Meadow / Central Link Editions - will be available to pre-order from 19th May from the Anglepoise® stand at Clerkenwell Design Week and from the Anglepoise® online shop. The recommended retail price including VAT is £200.
Anglepoise®: Stand DF3M, Design Factory at the Farmiloe Building, 34 St John Street. London EC1M 4AY
CONTACTS:
For Anglepoise ®
Kathryn Dighton PR
t: +44 (0)208 348 3848
For Eley Kishimoto
Jeffrey Cheung, Caro PR
e: Jeffrey@carocommunications.com
t: +44 (0)20 7713 9388
For Centre Point/ Almacantar:
Claire Wood / Laura Gainsford
t: +44 (0)20 7260 2700
e: centrepoint@bluerubicon.com
t: +44 (0)20 7260 2700
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About Anglepoise:
Characterised by a pioneering perfect balance mechanism developed in the 1930's and an engaging anthropomorphic form, iconic, quintessentially British brand, Anglepoise® produces an incomparable series of practical, energy-efficient lamps, ideally suited both for the home and for commercial interiors.
About Eley Kishimoto:
Founded by Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto in 1992, Eley Kishimoto
gained a reputation for incisive and intelligent print design, initially through their work with Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Alber Elbaz and Jil Sander and later via their eponymous collections and a series of design collaborations across diverse disciplines. Living by the maxim 'Print The World,' Eley Kishimoto has always strived to create work that is executed simply, clear in intention, exhibiting a unique creative flair that rejects passing trends and fads.
About Centre Point:
Developed by property tycoon Harry Hyams in 1966, Centre Point has been a focal point for London ever since. Designed by Richard Seifert & Partners, Centre Point can be seen from all corners of the capital and is one of London's original skyscrapers, standing amid the city's most historic and dynamic neighbourhoods. In conjunction with residential apartments, Almacantar will create innovative retail and restaurant space, centred on a new public piazza.
About Clerkenwell Design Week:
One of the best-loved events in the design industry calendar, Clerkenwell Design Week is a three-day annual festival gathering Clerkenwell's long-established design community together. Now in its fifth year, the event has increasingly become a must go-to showcase for the UK and international design community. In 2014, 32,300 visitors attended the festival; in total 57% of the visitors were architects and designers, a 10% increase to 2013.
CREDITS:
Lifestyle photography: Jake Curtis / One Represents
Stylist: Laura Fulmine
Location: Béton Brut, London
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[1] Eduardo Paolozzi
[2] Jonathan Glancey, The Guardian 05.01.05
[3] Royal Fine Art Commission