Introducing Scagliola Artist Christopher Wall
people • makers
I've run my own design and art studio, Christopher Wall Design, since 2019. I'm one of the few producers of bespoke Scagliola pieces in the UK. I also do other on-commission design and production work in collaboration with other producers.
WEBSITE: christopherwalldesign.com INSTAGRAM: @christopherwalldesign
Words: designeers
September 2018
designeers
Describe what you make:
christopher
My work focuses primarily on creating bespoke Scagliola pieces, these are either furniture pieces designed and created either on-commission for other designers, studios or high-end retailers, or my own creations that try to showcase the material and the technique at its best. Scagliola is an entirely handcrafted process which involves mixing plaster, glue and pigments to create intricate patterns. This allows me to create highly unique surfaces in both colour and pattern combinations that you typically can’t find in the natural world. Unlike marble, its ability to be moulded and shaped into intricate designs and forms opens up a whole world of creative possibilities that I don't think you can achieve with any other material or technique. I try to bring that uniqueness into each piece to demonstrate its versatility and quality.
designeers
How did you get into this field?
christopher
I’ve always loved Italian art and culture and was lucky enough to have studied in Florence for my MA. It was during this time I became aware of Scagliola and was fascinated with how you can get the luxury and uniqueness of a natural surface yet created entirely by hand. I later worked with a number of commercial and high-end furniture studios in London before deciding that Scagliola was not being given the attention and skill it deserved outside of Italy.
designeers
A design piece you are currently working on?
christopher
I’m currently working on a number of commissioned pieces but we're looking to develop a range of one-off table lamps which I'm excited about as it poses a different set of challenges to commissioned items. Not just in terms of bringing individuality and creativity to a relatively simple, functional object but it's also a new avenue in terms of reaching out to people that haven't been introduced to Scagliola before or don't necessarily know what can be achieved.
designeers
Sources of creative desire:
christopher
Scagliola is a very versatile material, with each stage of the process opening up its own opportunities to experiment and explore - colour theory, composition, sculpting, to name a few. Mastering the process is also an ongoing journey for me as it requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the material. There's a constant push to refine my skills and experiment with new techniques, which keeps the creative process stimulating and rewarding.
“There's a constant push to refine my skills and experiment with new techniques, which keeps the creative process stimulating and rewarding.”
christopher wall
designeers
Favourite piece you’ve created:
christopher
Something I'm currently working on which I'm keeping under wraps for now! I really want to do more to showcase the material and technique as well as my own artistic ideas, and that involves creating something which pushes the boundaries in terms of production and design. I might need a bigger workshop though!
designeers
What do you do when you’re not working?
christopher
Keeping fit and learning the piano.
designeers
Penhouse or Townhouse?
christopher
Townhouse. Most of the penthouses I've been to have always been miles away from the town and the novelty of the great views quickly wears off on me. I'd rather be closer to the action!
designeers
Favourite hotel in the world?
christopher
Monastero Arx Vivendi near Lake Garda.
designeers
Design hero:
christopher
I’m currently enjoying the work of Patricia Bustos. Her use of bold colours and playful geometry are visually exciting and full of energy.
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