Three thrones, four centuries: ‘This Island Sunrise’ at Sadie Coles HQ
‘This Island Sunrise’ celebrates improvised British design at Sadie Coles HQ, London (until 24 September 2023)
![This Island Sunrise at Sadie Coles HQ](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2DRwg55N4cCLZvjJXpyuMD-415-80.jpeg)
When stumbling upon an antiques shop, it is always fun to have a rummage to explore what treasure you may find. Such unexpected encounters with overlooked craftsmanship are recalled in this exhibition of thrones – each at one time discarded or unwanted, and now given fresh perspective by curator Simon Andrews in ‘This Island Sunrise’ at Sadie Coles HQ in London, coinciding with London Design Festival 2023.
Time to take a seat (or two) at Sadie Coles HQ
Installation view, ‘This Island Sunrise’, curated by Simon Andrews, Sadie Coles HQ, London
Three thrones stand tall as the focus of the exhibition, among other objects and artefacts. Though separated by centuries in their creation, each throne shares a similarity in being constructed out of modest or discarded materials to establish something beautiful, demonstrating its artist’s capabilities.
English or Welsh Turner’s Throne, c. 1640 turned ash and fruitwood, oak boards unique 56 x 32 x 29 inches (142 x 80 x 73.5 cm)
Surprisingly, two of the thrones are inspired by the design and complexity of the skeletal system. The first, Turner’s Throne (c.1640), is an insight into the origins of how a throne was, and still is, viewed in history, as a symbol of power and authority. The unnamed creator would have used Britain’s forest to source ash, oak and walnut to hand-build this uniquely crafted throne.
Tom Dixon’s Skeleton Throne (1985). Installation view, ‘This Island Sunrise’, curated by Simon Andrews, Sadie Coles HQ, London
Centuries later, and through a more modern perspective, Tom Dixon’s Skeleton Throne (1985) tells a socio-political story. Dixon’s design is almost satirical in its use of discarded iron, a material on which Britain once built her empire, to create the pirate-eque skeleton that went down with the ship. As we face the aftermath of industrialisation and its dire impact on climate, the sentiment resonates.
Eduardo Paolozzi, Sculptor’s Chair, 1985-1987, salvaged and repurposed materials including pine, beech, rope, linen, nylon cord, metal hooks and nails, together with a hammer
The final throne of the collection is one from Eduardo Paolozzi, who came across abandoned crates and other materials outside Zeev Aram’s Covent Garden showroom. Sculptor’s Chair (1985-1987) is for, in Paolozzi’s words: ‘the sculptor, after a lifetime of improvising, reaching for his tools’. The shallow box, hammer marks, knots and nails are additional details that nod to the creative mind and process of a sculptor.
Each throne offers a unique interpretation of British history and culture, brought together by design and identity.
'This Island Sunrise' at Sadie Coles HQ is on view until 24 September 2023
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Tianna Williams is the Editorial Executive at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she has contributed to BBC Wales, SurfGirl Magazine, and Parisian Vibe, with work spanning from social media content creation to editorial. Now, her role covers writing across varying content pillars for Wallpaper*.
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Francis Sultana takes the helm at David Gill Gallery and will ‘give back to design’
As David Gill becomes chairman, Francis Sultana takes over the reins as CEO of David Gill Gallery, with an ambition to support young and emerging designers
By Clare Dowdy Published
-
London Craft Week 2024: the best artisan-made works to discover across the city
London Craft Week 2024 takes over the city (13-19 May 2024), we put together a list of highlights to discover the best craft across town
By Francesca Perry Published
-
Samuel Ross announced as artistic director of London Design Biennale 2025
London Design Biennale 2025 will mark the event’s fifth edition, under the artistic direction of Samuel Ross and with a theme of ‘Surface Reflections’
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Design highlights from Collect 2024 at Somerset House
Collect 2024 is on view at Somerset House from 1 to 3 March: here are the highlights from the fair’s design and craft offering
By Melanie Grant Published
-
Bang & Olufsen's London showroom mixes sound, culture and sustainability
Newly opened on Bond Street, the new Bang & Olufsen London showroom combines a sensitive modular design approach and contributions from local creatives
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Ron Arad classics made by Dakar artisans on view in London
The work of Ron Arad is part of Opera Gallery’s ‘Untitled Rencontres’, on view until 7 January 2024
By Amah-Rose Mcknight Abrams Published
-
London designers take over an abandoned house, and stage a Christmas Market
On The Square is a collaborative project led Rio Kobayashi, bringing life and a design Christmas market to an abandoned Victorian house in east London
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Dolce & Gabbana Casa lands in London with two new locations
Dolce & Gabbana Casa opens in two new London spaces, a Brompton Road boutique and a store within Harrods, dedicated to the house’s world of furniture
By Tianna Williams Published