Anatomy in the home

Anatomical illustration is a personal interest of mine, and I have recently been grabbed by a variety of anatomically inspired domestic items that have been emerging on the high street. Besides having a role within the medical domain, anatomical illustration has an artistic merit in its own right as the human body form is a visually intriguing subject matter. Here are some examples that make the most of this theme, and that definitely make for some wonderful, if a bit weird, designs!

This Striking A3 paper art print ‘Skull’ is by artist Coulson Macleod at Not on the High Street

 

‘Phrenology’ is a fantastically retro piece of anatomical illustration that serves as gift wrap by Cavallini & Co, at Rockett St George.  Cavallini & Co’s gift wrap is extremely high quality and could even be framed to hang on the wall.

 

This set of 6 recycled glass ‘Heart and Head Tumblers’ are an amusing table piece, by Space 1A Design at Not on the High Street.

 

‘Supermodel’ is a life size, 10 plate piece depicting the human skeleton, and is closer to a work of art that it is to crockery!  Designed by Phoebe Richardson at The New English.

 

Rockett St George also sells a range of Phoebe Richardson’s work. This quirky ‘Skeleton Cup Stack’ is part of her Bone Collection.

 

Phoebe Richardson, Bone Collection, ‘Skull Dinner Plate’ at Rockett St George.

Bryonie Porter, Cornwall based artist covers furniture with wallpaper. This Desk is covered in skull print wallpaper by The Magnificent Chatwin Brothers, featured on the Anatomy Uk website.

‘Anatomy Skeleton Chest of Drawers’ by Bryonie Porter at Not on the High Street

 

I have never seen anything like this reupholstered anatomy chair by Sam Edkins, part of a set sold at Cavaliero Finn. Gruesome or cool? I can’t quite make up my mind!

 

Emily Evans, professional medical illustrator, as well as anatomical artist sells a wonderful range of products at her Anatomy Boutique online. This ‘Mexican Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Wallpaper’ depicts the ‘Memento Mori’ – an iconic Mexican symbol of life and death.

 

Beware the Moon’s ‘Skulls Wallpaper’ features a contemporary gothic skull and crossbone, at Rockett St George.

Whilst we love all of these designs, we would advice that you do pick and choose your favourites, or your friends may worry about you!

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website. 

Read Full Post »

On reflection

The thing that I appreciate most about summer is the beautiful light. I have been making the most of the last few weeks enjoying the fabulous scenery that is scattered with enchanting summer rays. It has got me thinking about different materials that play with light in a space, and I have gathered together some of my favourite examples of furnishings that have attractive reflective surfaces.

 

I could never grow bored looking at the enchanting glass pear drops that hang from this table light.

 Arctic Pear Table Lamp by Ochre

 

 The ‘seeds’ that fall from this gorgeous chandelier almost look like raindrops, each one acting as a magnifying lens.

 Seed Cloud, round 112 buds, by Ochre

 

These lovely large glass orbs reflect the light around them, and draw your attention in.

Bubbles Glass Orb Pendant from Anthropologie

 

Glass vessels that hold water are a beautiful table piece, and offer a playful refracted image of whatever they behold.

LSA Umberto Vase from John Lewis

 

Glass perfume bottles can be a charming ornament in the bedroom that twinkle in the last of the evening light.

Early 20th Century Perfume Bottle from Alfies Antique Market

 

This brilliant wallpaper is a 3D foil that can be used to create great effects with some clever lighting.

Beware The Moon – Quantum Foam Wallpaper from Rockett St George

These contemporary arched mirrors create the illusion of an entrance, and will really open up a space.

Panorami Mirrors for Secondome, designed by Zaven

 

John Soane is famous for having used convex circular mirrors in his London town house to create a tour de l’oeil, magnifying viewpoints and making spaces look larger.

Little Black Framed Convex Mirror from Rockett St George

 

I love the glamorous ambiance created by using this antique mirror as a headboard. You can find some fantastic antique mirrors at Lassco. 

 

These garden tea light holders are lovely. The glass vessels emit a pretty flicker of candle light.

Hanging Teardrop Votive by Garden Trading from Not on the high street. 

 

This gorgeous lantern creates a warm glow, perfect for a garden dinner party.

Antique Style French Lantern by The Flower Studio from Not on the High Street

Reflective materials and multi faceted surfaces can be a great way to play with light in a space; to create illusions of scale and splendour, or simply to make a room feel more dynamic.

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website.

Read Full Post »