Craft and Culture: Dale Chihuly's vibrant glass sculptures for all to admire at Chelsea Barracks, London

Celebrated American glass sculptor Dale Chihuly has garnered acclaim throughout his 60-year career for his groundbreaking and expansive installations. Renowned for his ability to redefine the boundaries of glass as an artistic medium, Chihuly's creations often evoke organic forms with their intricate and vibrant designs.  

Within the meticulously landscaped gardens of Chelsea Barracks is Chihuly's the pièce de résistance, the "Electric Yellow and Deep Coral Tower," offset against the greenery and giant glass balls.

During London Craft Week 2024, May 13 - 19 2024, the general public with great interest in crafts has the opportunity to admire a selection of Chihuly's works in bright and cheerful colours sited within the lush outdoor grounds of the upmarket residential development, Chelsea Barracks, in the heart of Belgravia, London, just moments away from the River Thames. 

"Amethyrst Reeds, 2004! by Dale Chihuly is presented in deep hues of violet and vivid magenta atop logs of raw wood to incorporate an element of contrast between the tall, sleek stalks of glass and the rough grain of wood, set within the water feature of Mulberry Square.

These installations, characterized by their exploration of form, light, and space through the medium of glass, are created in deep amethyst, aqua blue and amber, or striking hues of electric yellow and orange, crafted from blown glass and supported by steel, providing striking contrast while harmonizing with their surroundings.

Curated by New Public, this latest project at Chelsea Barracks aligns with the development's ethos of seamlessly blending modern architecture with the site's rich historical heritage. 

Visitors entering Chelsea Barracks from Chelsea Bridge Road are welcomed by Chihuly's "Amethyst Reeds, 2024".

Among the highlights are three of Chihuly's works situated in Mulberry Square, including the  "Amethyst Reeds, 2024", which greets passersby along Chelsea Bridge Road.  According to descriptions accessible through a QR link, Reeds made their debut during the ground-breaking 1995-96 Chihuly Over Venice project.  Reminiscent of the icicle forms common in his chandeliers and towers, Reeds is described as the most extreme expression of this elongated form, at up to three metres tall each.

Chihuly's Electric Yellow and Deep Coral Tower standing majestically amongst the greenery of the Mulberry Square garden at Chelsea Barracks.

Further within the meticulously landscaped gardens lies the pièce de résistance, the "Electric Yellow and Deep Coral Tower," a captivating creation dating back to 2017.  This soaring creation of upstretched tendrils in radiant yellow and coral hues of hand-blown glass forms affixed to a steel armature evokes flames and though, static, suggests a riot of writhing movement. This tower was previously sited at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore in 2021, and Chihuly at Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina, USA in 2018.

Another striking work is "Mulberry Square Fiori" (2024) or is it Mille Fiori, Italian for thousand flowers.  The arrangement of glass in various shapes add vibrancy to the lush green gardens, with the appearance of living forms.  According to descriptions, it captures the unrestrained vitality of a July garden in a tribute to Chihuly's beloved late mother, Viola, a master gardener and colour fanatic.

The "Aqua Blue and Amber (2011)" chandelier resting on a !"quad pod" suggests it is a heavy sculpture. 

Another of Chihuly's installations at Chelsea Barracks, the "Aqua Blue and Amber, 2011" chandelier supported by a !"quad pod" steel frame, commands attention in Whistler Square near the Pimlico Road entrance. Described as a cascade of glass combining long, trailing tendrils and bulbous, marine globes in cheery shades of blue, gold and citron, playful in both form and palette.  This had previously been sited in the US, in Desert Botanical Garden, in Phoenix, Arizona in 2021 and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in 2012.

This particular piece draws parallels to Chihuly's celebrated installation at the historic Victoria and Albert Museum in Knightsbridge, London, titled "Chihuly: Reflections on Nature." It was originally showcased in a 2001 exhibition that featured several of Chihuly's iconic glass sculptures and is now suspended high and mighty from the domed ceiling of the V&A museum's atrium at its Cromwell Road entrance, captivating visitors to this day.

"Chihuly: Reflections on Nature"
at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

As for the transformation of Chelsea Barracks in Belgravia from its origins as a late 19th-century military barracks for the British Army into a luxurious residential enclave has been a journey marked by both historical reverence and modern reinvention. Despite initial controversies and opposition from various quarters regarding its redevelopment, the site has emerged as a testament to the seamless integration of heritage preservation and contemporary design, offering residents and visitors alike a glimpse into London's rich past and vibrant future.

All images by Lucia Carpio.

Culture and Art: American artist Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures will be featured during London Craft Week May 13 - 19 2024

The itinerary for London Craft Week (LCW)'s much-anticipated 10th-anniversary edition is ready to be revealed and will be officially launched to the public on Monday 25th March 2024 for booking of events.  The public can also follow @londoncraftweek to receive the latest updates as we draw closer to the festival.

Slated to take place across London from May 13th to 19th, 2024, LCW is marking a decade of creative exploration with this year's carefully curated lineup reflecting on the profound evolution of the craft sector over the past ten years. 

The work of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly
will be among the highlights of London Craft Week 2024.

It pays homage to the visionary artisans who have been instrumental in shaping this transformation, while also casting an eye toward the emerging trends and innovations that will shape the next chapter of craftsmanship.  Particularly worth noting are collaborations with an array of exceptionally talented artists and makers from around the globe, alongside London's esteemed cultural institutions and renowned brands.

Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 2015, Guy Salter, Chairman of LCW, shares, "It feels like just yesterday that The King & Queen launched the first London Craft Week.  Now, in our milestone tenth year, we welcome over 225,000 visitors to experience 520 events featuring 700 artists and makers.

"Our mission remains unwavering: to celebrate outstanding craftsmanship from across the UK and beyond, leveraging the vibrancy, diversity, and serendipity of our beloved city. In our own small way, I believe we have contributed to London's cultural tapestry and reinforced the significance of the craft."

In May this year, one of the key happenings of LCW will be an opportunity to admire the work of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly who is known throughout his illustrious 60-year career for utilising glass as his primary medium to explore the interaction of form with light and space. 

Within the grounds of the luxurious residential complex in Chelsea Barracks, located in Belgravia, London, will be the inaugural edition of the public art initiative "Modern Masters." This free outdoor programme will feature a selection of works by Chihuly, strategically positioned throughout the complex.  This first exhibition of "Modern Masters" invites the public to immerse themselves in Chihuly's captivating glass sculptures amidst the architectural splendor and public grounds of Belgravia.

Greeting visitors in the Grand Entrance of the V&A museum in London, is a spectacular chandelier by American artist Dale Chihuly,  suspended from the domed roof.

Chihuly is no stranger to London as his amazing work can currently be admired at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V & A) in South Kensington, London.  Adorning the Grand Entrance of the iconic museum, suspended from the domed roof is a spectacular chandelier, specifically crafted by Chihuly and his team.

Named the Rotunda Chandelier, this masterpiece is part of Chihuly's renowned "Chandelier" series, inspired by Venetian chandeliers. With its approximately 2000 components, comprising blown glass and steel, and weighing an impressive 1724 kilograms, it stands as the largest in the series, crafted in Seattle, USA.

And in May this year, as in previous years, in partnership with LCW, the V&A South Kensington will have a museum-wide programme featuring an array of events. Visitors can witness demonstrations spanning various galleries, from weaving to silversmithing, couture, ceramics, and woodwork. 

LCW will also host an international craft symposium, offering panel discussions and keynote speeches by leading figures in the field. Topics will include the expanded craft lexicon of the past decade, digital innovations, the legacy of skills passed through apprenticeships, and the intersection of craftsmanship with luxury.

Photos by Lucia Carpio