Folk Tales at
Bergdorf Goodman
Andrew Martin in collaboration with Kit Kemp
Client
Bergdorf Goodman, 5th Avenue, New York
Location
2019
Date
In 2019, the Folk Tales collection traveled to Bergdorf Goodman in New York, where the 7th-floor home department was transformed into a layered, immersive installation. This project was a beautiful showcase of Kit Kemp’s unique ability to weave together the work of different artists and makers to create a storied, "lived-in" atmosphere.
At the heart of the space was the three-metre Mythical Land mural, which provided the backdrop for a collection of bespoke hand-painted pieces from my Hastings studio. The installation brought together fresco secco panels of forest creatures, a bench wrap-painted in a lush verdure design, and a decorative chest featuring trompe coffering and heraldic unicorns.
There is a quiet, rewarding contrast in the journey these designs took. Every motif ~ from the large-scale wallpapers to the intricate details on the furniture ~ began as a hand-painted line on paper, plaster or wood in East Sussex.
Being part of Kit’s curated vision at Bergdorf Goodman was truly thrilling. Seeing my hand-painted narratives layered amongst the work of so many talented fellow craftsmen proved that authentic, slow-made art has a vital place on the world stage. From murals to furniture, it was a beautiful study in how diverse crafts can come together to create a truly immersive world.
Explore the Folk Tales collection, from the original murals to the finished fabrics.
“Seeing these East Sussex textures reimagined inside such an iconic New York landmark was a lovely full-circle moment. The installation brought together large-scale murals and hand-painted furniture, proving that every motif begins as a simple, hand-painted line in the studio.””