An Enquiring Mind: Manolo Blahnik

FURNITURE AND INTERIORS CAN BE A PIECE OF GOOD INSPIRATION FOR ARTISTS

The Wallace Collection has been a place of inspiration since it was open to the public in 1900.

Manolo Blahnik, a living artist and icon from the world of shoe design was searching for new and the beautiful in art and life, literature and film. He has drawn inspiration over the years from the wallace collection's paintings, furniture, porcelain, sculptures. What he does is turning initial sketches into three dimensional objects in luxurious materials. He is presenting a world of luxury and beauty. He is also showing skill and creativity found in the art. The display carefully selected designs and fitted them into specific rooms making a dialogue between old and new, the art and the craft. It is clearly visible that patterns and colours on shoes correspond with the upholstery, ornaments and the wallpapers. The elegance and the exquisite quality of furniture and the interiors is reflected in the designs. Shoes are surrounded by furniture, porcelain, clocks and gold boxes which are permeated by the same principles.