Radnor opens New York furniture showroom

When Susan Clark founded the New York-based design company Radnor in 2016, her mission was to create designer-led furniture, lighting and accessories at an approachable level. Working closely with established domestic and international designers on new products, while also presenting furniture from lesser-known names, Clark and her multi-pronged enterprise has brought a new elegance to American-made design (opens in new tab). Uniting the roles of gallery, retailer and manufacturer, Radnor has a collection that ranges from bed frames, desks and sofas to soft accessories, planters and handcrafted, one-of-a-kind wooden spoons, all exuding intimacy, mindfulness and care through their inviting proportions.

Building upon its practice of curating experiential showrooms in residential settings (it formerly occupied a two-bedroom apartment at The Bryant, designed by David Chipperfield (opens in new tab)), Radnor unveils a new home this month in a 4,000 sq ft apartment spanning an entire floor of 180 East 88th Street, a new development from the real estate firm DDG, located in Manhattan’s Carnegie Hill. The airy space is designed in collaboration with Elizabeth Roberts Architects and filled with nearly 70 design works and collectibles. Some notable highlights include a table by Karl Zahn (his first ever furniture piece), a series of solid milled marble tables designed by Clark, along with lighting designed by Clark and the textile artist Alexandra Kohl, which together mark the first time the Radnor founder has put her name to products, and Roberts’ first furniture collection, comprising a small writing desk, bedside table, upholstered stool and a collection of rugs. All are exclusive to Radnor.

‘It was such a joy and felt almost like an indulgence to have that freedom to design my own furniture,’ says Roberts, who is known for her contemporary spin on traditional furniture design. ‘The creation of the collection reflects pieces that I’ve always longed for but could never find. And with Susan’s feedback on each detail throughout the design and production process, the standard of execution is unparalleled.’

Each element of Radnor’s universe emanates warmth and grace; a reflection of both Clark’s shrewd design eye and her Southern charm. Formerly Head of Sales and Production for The Future Perfect (opens in new tab), but armed with a design background that includes glass blowing, metal fabrication and traditional weaving, the Nashville-born Clark brings a meticulous appreciation for craft, materials and fabrication to Radnor, reworking American (opens in new tab) traditions with sophisticated effect.

Although Radnor encompasses an international mix of creatives, it has become regarded as a purveyor and champion of American manufacturing and design. ‘There’s a core integrity and honesty that is expressed throughout the work,’ Clark says. ‘If we’re going to have pillows, they’re going to be handwoven by somebody out there. That physiological essence is what we’re looking for. When you walk into our space, I want you to really feel like you’re home.’
 
She adds, ‘I hope Radnor can help contribute to the history of American design. We’re based here, and I want to make sure that whatever we’re making is constantly thinking about the community of people, who are in this with me, and making them as proud as they can be.’

INFORMATION

radnor.co (opens in new tab)

ADDRESS

180 East 88th Street
New York

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