Ceiling décor | Then and now
FROM THE SISTINE CHAPEL TO THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES, THE CEILING HAS BEEN USED THROUGH THE CENTURIES AS A SHOW OF WEALTH AND A CANVAS FOR SOME OF THE MOST PROMINENT STORIES OF MYTHOLOGY AND RELIGION, EACH REFLECTING THE CULTURAL CONTEXT OF THEIR TIME. BUT WHY HAVE THESE SPACESUTILISED THE FIFTH WALL AND WHAT SIGNIFICANCE HAS IT REPRESENTED OVER TIME?
HEAVENLY DESIGN
The Vatican’s world-famous Sistine Chapel fresco by Michelangelo, commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508 took four years to complete and illustrates much of the doctrine of the Catholic Church. A dramatisation unlike any other, Michelangelo’s high renaissance art created an immersive experience which aimed to elevate worshippers' prayer through art that was considered closer to heaven.
COMPLEMENTING ARCHITECTURE
Historical architecture is a subject close to our hearts and varying ceiling styles from vaulted cathedrals to Roman domes demonstrate the impressive and innovative architectural elements used over time. Working to decorate these vast ceiling spaces, some artists used techniques such as trompe-l'œil, giving the illusion of grander scale. Others beckoned viewers to look up and admire not only the art but the incredible architecture supporting it.
MAKING A STATEMENT
Without doubt the most famous of all the rooms at The Palace of Versailles is The Hall of Mirrors. Dating back to the 1660’s, this striking room pays tribute to the domestic, political, and military success of France under Louis XIV. The ceiling comprises 30 works of art each depicting stories of victory and prestige. Any visitor to this room would have been in little doubt of the power and achievement of France’s absolute monarchy. Quite the historical PR piece!
SOCIAL STATUS
It is not just paintings which have adorned ceilings in the hope to impress those that visit. From ancient times, through to the Georgian and Victorian era, decorative plasterwork has been used as a mark of social status. Highly ornate plasterworks were used to amplify the grandeur of the room and showcase high levels of craftsmanship. We take great pride in restoring and where required reinstating these stunning details to much the same effect.
Fast forward to present day and we still see the ceiling playing a pivotal role in luxury contemporary interiors, whether it be the use of colour, wallcoverings or experimenting with fabrics. The ceiling is an integral part of the design helping to elevate a space. You can see more of the ceilings we admire over on our curated Pinterest board.
This week, our Founding Partner and Creative Director, Sharon Lillywhite, and Marketing and Operations Director, Tory Ashby, attended Walpole's British Luxury Summit. Held at The Londoner hotel the event brought together leaders from across the luxury sphere to exchange insights and provoke discussion about the future of British luxury.
This week, our Founding Partner and Creative Director, Sharon Lillywhite, and Marketing and Operations Director, Tory Ashby, attended Walpole's British Luxury Summit. Held at The Londoner hotel the event brought together leaders from across the luxury sphere to exchange insights and provoke discussion about the future of British luxury.
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We worked with a number of British Designers on bespoke pieces for the House of Walpole project, a collaboration between ourselves, Northacre and Walpole. All designers worked within the brief of ‘a love letter to the Palace Gardens’, their work takes inspiration from nature which is woven throughout the apartment. Read our article below where we talk in more detail about these key pieces and how we worked with the iconic designers behind them.
We worked with a number of British Designers on bespoke pieces for the House of Walpole project, a collaboration between ourselves, Northacre and Walpole. All designers worked within the brief of ‘a love letter to the Palace Gardens’, their work takes inspiration from nature which is woven throughout the apartment. Read our article below where we talk in more detail about these key pieces and how we worked with the iconic designers behind them.
March is always a time for reflection as we take in the brighter days of Spring and the new launches across the luxury sphere. This month we have been musing over the launch of Saudi Arabia’s biggest airport concept and how they are merging design and AI in the most interesting way. The new concept car from Jaguar has certainly been a talking point alongside our thoughts on the new Cartier exhibition, Donatella’s departure and the rise of the Luxury Pop Up!
March is always a time for reflection as we take in the brighter days of Spring and the new launches across the luxury sphere. This month we have been musing over the launch of Saudi Arabia’s biggest airport concept and how they are merging design and AI in the most interesting way. The new concept car from Jaguar has certainly been a talking point alongside our thoughts on the new Cartier exhibition, Donatella’s departure and the rise of the Luxury Pop Up!