Centred on a theme of ‘joy’, colour consultancy Etté has temporarily transformed the Clerkenwell showroom of Carl Hansen & Søn, exploring the spatial impact colour can have
Photography by Ben Anders, Soft Focus is a temporary installation set within the Clerkenwell showroom of Carl Hansen & Søn, conceived by colour consultancy Etté
Words by Roddy Clarke
Unveiled for London Craft Week and on display at Clerkenwell Design Week, Carl Hansen & Søn’s Clerkenwell showroom has become home to a temporary exhibition titled ‘Soft Focus’ through which colour consultancy Etté has transformed the space with an interplay of colour, materiality and art. Responding to a brief focused on joy, Despina Curtis and Natalie Jones, the creative duo behind Etté, say they hope visitors feel uplifted, curious with a feeling of optimism when moving through the space.
Photography by Ben Anders, The installation explores the interplay of natural light, materiality and colour as witnessed here in the entrance gallery of the Clerkenwell showroom
Walking into the entrance gallery, draped Kvadrat fabric panels frame the brand’s iconic Hans J. Wegner Wishbone chair. Known for its exquisite craft and composition, the chair is referenced throughout with the installation’s 14 colours referencing the 14 components of the chair. The textiles, with varying transparency and texture, interact with the natural light coming into the space, resulting in an ever-evolving dialogue between the colours of the fabrics and surfaces around the space. It is a harmonious dance that speaks to the organic beauty and materiality of the furniture on display.
On the upper level, the installation takes shape within the showroom environment. Coloured panels create soft spatial boundaries while helping to subtly draw the eye to key pieces displayed within. And, with paint provided by another Danish brand, St. Leo, it becomes a celebration of Danish craft and artistry. ‘Both brands hold Scandinavian craftsmanship and quality materials at the centre of their collections,’ says Curtis. ‘However, the tonal choices we made from the St. Leo palette become part of a broader conversation around our interpretation of the brief. We wanted the environment to complement the furniture while expressing the main cornerstones of what we feel joy is to us.’
Photography by Ben Anders, The installation also features the works of artist Laura Vent, specifically a series of digital abstract creations titled ‘Capture’
Commenting on their interpretation of the brief, Curtis says it was expressed through three movements: expansion (the sense of opening up the space), connection (a collective feeling with a sense of belonging), and spontaneity (the surprise and delight you feel when two colours merge to create something unexpected). In walking through the space, the duo’s subtle approach serves as a reminder as to how colour can play a pivotal role in not only creating an atmosphere but also influencing the way we move within it. The installation also features the work of artist Laura Vent. Showcased against the vibrant backdrop, her collection of digital works ‘Capture’ presents a parallel exploration of movement and form as the abstract compositions mirror the fluidity that can be found through colour.
Courtesy of Etté, Despina Curtis and Natalie Jones founded Etté to help both residential and commercial clients better understand the colour choices they make and to guide them through what can often feel like an overwhelming process
The duo hopes that visitors can come away with a refreshed perspective of the brand, one that differs from what it is traditionally known for. For Carl Hansen & Søn, it is partnerships with external collaborators such as Etté that allows them to interpret contemporary themes while building upon the brand’s timeless legacy, something they have successfully achieved since its inception in 1908. ‘We approached Etté for their expertise and knowledge of colour and its application,’ states Mia Thittichai, the brand’s Head of Sales for the UK and Ireland. ‘We were looking for a multi-dimensional approach to the project. It was important for us to explore the possibilities of light and space using colourful textures in our Clerkenwell showroom, while also curating our collection within that space, in an array of hues and tones previously unseen.’
Guiding clients through colour decisions in both residential and commercial spaces, Curtis and Jones say there are a lot of common misconceptions that occur during the selection process. ‘The first is that colour is purely for decoration,’ says Jones. ‘Colour is an essential design tool in both public and private environments that impacts our emotional and physical wellbeing. It can be energising and uplifting or it can also encourage stillness. It can evoke treasured memories; it can ground you in the moment and give you comfort.’
Photography by Ben Anders, Soft Focus seamlessly bridges the gap between heritage and modernity offering visitors to appreciate the iconic designs of Carl Hansen & Søn in a new light
In a world that needs connection and community more than ever, the duo is interested in further exploring the evocative emotional response to colour within the public realm. ‘Designing with colour should always have the people using it at the forefront of any design,’ says Curtis. ‘We can communicate without words by using colour to convey messages and guide people safely through a space. Equally, we can use it to divide a space according to function, while helping to focus and inspire if needed in a workplace setting. We can also add nurturing textures to encourage people to slow down and connect, and to stay awhile.’ It is this sensitivity to design that our public spaces and homes so urgently need and, in speaking with the duo, it is apparent how the colour choices we make can be pivotal both individually and collectively. ‘Encouraging personal expression and community is the cornerstone of our philosophy here at Etté, as well as being an important part of our installation for Carl Hansen & Søn,’ she concludes.
Soft Focus is on display at Carl Hansen & Søn, 16A Bowling Green Lane, London, EC1R 0BD until mid-June.
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