Sketch London: An Artsy Redesign

We’re excited to take a look inside the newly transformed Sketch, London where genius creative, India Mahdavi has once again created a fresh new interior that is simply inspired.

How it started…

In February 2014, architect and designer, India Mahdavi was given the first venture of transforming the Sketch Gallery, London, in a way that would complement the 239 satirical artworks of David Shrigley. ⁠The result was groundbreaking… A seminal monochrome of pink. Velvet banquettes, rose gold & Mahdavi’s famous Charlotte chairs adorned the Gallery and elevated the space’s artwork and atmosphere to new heights. ⁠

And now, India Mahdavi again transforms the iconic sketch Gallery with a new installation of artworks and interiors. It is pink no more! And we can’t wait to show you the final product! It’s transformed.⁠

How it’s going…

⁠The new interior is a copper-hued haven where texture transcends colour. Shonibare Studio ‘s richly dyed fabrics and hand-carved wooden masks greet and gaze upon all who enter…

The vision from both artists complement each other and the results could be clearly spotted. Bright and solar yellow set a mark on the “culture-defining chapter” for the restaurant that currently counts 20 years of existence.

Along with the different colour scheme, Sketch now has 13 new site-specific designs by Yinka Shonibare that embraces and celebrates African culture named Modern Magic. These works complement the space with copper walls and yellow fabrics to create a brand new inspiring ambience.

‘After Matisse showed Picasso African art for the first time, it changed the history of modern art,’ Shonibare said in a press release. ‘Picasso was interested in appropriating from another culture, and I also appropriate from European ethnic art. Cultural appropriation can be a two-way street. This collaboration with Sketch has given me an opportunity to expand my creative process – creating a different environment to encounter and experience my art in a fun and relaxing setting.’

‘The Gallery at Sketch has been linked to the colour pink for such a long time that it was very challenging for me to overcome this success,’ Mahdavi added. ‘Yinka’s artwork was a real inspiration and enticed me to work differently in this new version of the Gallery. Now textures will transcend colours with metallic copper wallpaper, Aissa Dione’s textured fabric and Inès Bressand’s woven wall lights. These are elements that have allowed me to extend Yinka’s artistic exploration of culture and identity and bring a warm feel of Africa to the space and furnishings.’

For more visit Sketch London.