With an enviable reputation for sourcing the finest leather around the globe, it’s no wonder ALMA Leather joined forces with Mayfair restaurant Sartoria for its recent refurbishment. Supplying the leather and making several bespoke pieces, Euan Stewart reveals the details behind the brief
What was the brief for this project?
ALMA was in charge of cladding the feature columns and suppling much of the leather for upholstery on the banquettes and bar furniture. The brief was to create a high-end and unique finish that was in keeping with the design ethos of Sagrada (the appointed design studio) and the Sartoria brand.
For the leather-clad columns, the budget allowed us to realise the designer’s wishes. As Sagrada is one of ALMA’s most important customers, we were able to work closely on each component of the project to meet the client’s budget, without sacrificing quality, elegance or aesthetic.
What was the biggest challenge?
While ALMA has clad many columns in the past, the biggest challenge was achieving a consistent look where the columns were different heights and not quite square. Mathematical precision was required in order to create an even finish, ensuring that both columns read well in the space. By using vegetable tanned leather, which has robust, yet natural qualities, we were able to engineer each diamond individually with bevelled edges and apply to the columns methodically, avoiding gaps, overlaps or a loss of orientation. A mixture of practical skill, mathematics and expert leather working experience allowed us to meet this challenge successfully.
What makes leather such a luxurious finish?
Leather brings a timeless quality to any interior, offering a traditional or contemporary feel. It is such an adaptable product that it can be used not only for furniture, but on walls, floors, ceilings and a huge variety of accessories. The luxurious finish is a result of the natural qualities of the product, which has innate strength and grace and will age beautifully over time.
What are you most pleased with?
The finished result was a source of pride for our team, but I was most pleased that the client and designer were happy.
Anything you would change with hindsight?
With a happy designer and client, I would not risk changing a thing!
Client involvement – hands-on or hands-off?
Sartoria dealt directly with the designers Sagrada, so definitely hands-off. Sagrada were hands-on with ALMA however, but I would expect nothing less from the team there. Throughout my years at Alma, they have been a consistent pleasure to work with.
Do you have any exciting projects in the pipeline for 2016?
We have a number of projects in the pipeline, but clients often wish that details remain undisclosed until completion and I like to honour that. Projects vary in scale and sometimes it is the smaller ones that can offer the biggest surprises. ALMA will continue to push the boundaries of leather work possibilities throughout 2016 and beyond, with the help of architects and designers worldwide.
For more information, visit ALMA 1938
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