Zaha Hadid's 'UltraStellar' for David Gill Gallery

The late Zaha Hadid’s last furniture collection for David Gill – ’UltraStellar’ – has been launched

(Image credit: Martin Slivka)

last updated 21 September 2022

‘"UltraStellar" is an appropriate title for the collection because she's looking down from above,' announces Francis Sultana in front of the last Zaha Hadid range for David Gill last week. In a sentimental, but celebratory atmosphere, the creative director, alongside Zaha Hadid director Patrik Schumacher, presented the late dame’s impressive range at the gallery's Mayfair space.

Throughout the final range, the starchitect manages to astound yet again, with her first ever works in timber. Displaying a mastery of her extant fluid aesthetic in organic new forms, these wooden piece sit in unison with 'Liquid Glacial' works in acrylic and silver that the designer created for the gallery in the past, resulting in a continuing narrative of her graceful style.

Schumacher guided us through the walnut wares; describing a museum trip in China that introduced the the firm to dexterous timber milling, and the years of work required to achieve the finishes. A stand-out is the symmetrical coffee table, with its ripple effect flowing into the legs; this, together, with the twisting love seat evokes a rigorous mid-century charm. The organic theme continues with the inclusion of stained leather that elegantly extends to the bottom of the intertwining legs of the seating.

Elsewhere, acrylic creeps it way back in, paired with deep walnut in the centrepiece dining table. The 'Liquid Glacial' collection sees additions too, in the forms of an abstract three-legged acrylic console and undulating silver fruit bowl.

The dramatic finish is a colossal chandelier in aluminium and glass. Spreading its spider-web legs across the ceiling, it shines down on the interlaced wood creations.

'She would be very proud of the collections,’ muses Sultana. As if we ever doubted it, the Hadid name remains as strong as ever.

'UltraStellar’ love seat — For the impressive range, Hadid decided to transpose her fluid aesthetic into walnut wood. Pictured: ’UltraStellar’ love seat

David Gill Francis Sultana Patrik Schumacher L R Photo Credit Martin Slivka G 120119 Highres — Furniture and interior designer Francis Sultana and ZH’s Patrik Schumacher co-presented the latest pieces. Pictured: David Gill, Francis Sultana and Patrik Schumacher on the intertwining ’UltraStellar’ love seat

The symmetrical coffee table — A stand-out is the symmetrical coffee table, with its ripple effect flowing into the legs

Three-legged acrylic console — The ’Liquid Glacial’ collection sees additions too, in the form of a flowing, abstract three-legged acrylic console...

Silver 'Liquid Glacial' bowl — ...and undulating silver ’Liquid Glacial’ bowl

Chair Ultra Stellar Red Pair — The organic theme continues with the inclusion of stained leather that elegantly covers the intertwining legs of the seating, as seen in these 'UltraStellar' chairs

The dining table in the collection combines acrylic and walnut — The collection’s dining table merges acrylic and walnut

Chandelier made from aluminium and glass. — The dramatic final piece is a colossal chandelier in aluminium and glass titled ’Lisse’

The chandelier’s glow shines. — Spreading its spider-web legs across the ceiling, the chandelier’s glow shines down on the interlaced wood creations

INFORMATION

’UltraStellar’ is on view until 29 October. For more information, visit the David Gill Gallery website

Photography: Martin Slivka

ADDRESS

David Gill Gallery
2–4 King Street
London, SW1Y 6QP

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Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.