Genevieve Bennett
How do you know Collection Latil?
I have been aware of the collection for some time – I always look out for exquisite work by artists, designers and craftspeople. I also am doing more and more work in France which is fantastic as I love France – especially Paris a lot. So have had more opportunity to explore there.
Where did you grow up and what did you study?
I grew up in the north west of England in the Peak District – in beautiful rural countryside. I then moved to Scotland and studied embroidery and printed textiles at Glasgow School of Art, then to London to the Royal College of Art.
How and when did you launch your own design studio?
I launched my studio in 2008 after spending many years playing with materials and techniques. I took on a space in an old Victorian warehouse in Islington in London and started to make work on a commission basis. I also worked on collaborations and consultancy projects with brands from the outset – I really enjoy the variety and creating something unique for a specific client – whether it be a hand made leather pierce or a collection of textiles for a homeware brand.
How did you start working with leather and why do you love so much that material?
I had been working a lot with paper – manipulating and sculpting with it but was slightly frustrated by the impermanence of it. I started experimenting with leather because it behaves a little like paper but is more robust and durable. Leather can be sculpted, embossed, carved and engraved to create richly textured and intriguing surfaces which is what appeals to me a lot. I love combining my own pattern designs with interesting techniques and processes to create surfaces which respond interestingly to light and shadow. I use a beautiful veg tanned leather from Pisa in Italy. It is tanned with extracts of bark, oak and mimosa tree which allows the leather to have a lovely natural depth and richness. It also develops and ages – getting more beautiful with time as it ages. I have a strong love of colour and spent a long time developing the colour palettes and working with the tannery to create the final selection for the collections.
What are your inspirations?
I am inspired by a wide range of subjects – from 17th Century woodcarvings and historic silks to the ornate sculpted and embossed leather wall coverings of 16th Century Europe. French Art Deco Master Craftsmen – Albert Rateau for interiors and Paul Poiret for couture…..islamic tiles, moorish ceramics and Persian textiles.I love the geometry and repetition of these patterns. My most recent collection ‘Braid & Bloom’ was inspired by the simple geometry of braiding, twisting, weaving and binding. Traditional techniques from leatherworking. Referencing saddlery, bridlery, ribbon braiding as well as the heritage of wrought iron work. I am passionate about natural luxurious materials and craftsmanship, combining innovative techniques with unique motif & pattern design to produce intriguing surfaces and pieces. It is my aim to produce pieces which are elegant, bold, timeless and long-lasting.
Tell us more about the entire process for commissioned work?
Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. I love working with clients to realise unique pieces for their spaces. I always begin with drawing and research – either entirely new motifs and patterns for a bespoke project or developing existing patterns and designs tailored to suit their brief. I look at the space, the building, the history of the brand and develop specific ideas for them. I draw with pencils on paper – like giant doodles to develop the motifs and flow to the pattern. Following this I make card models to see how the patterns and shapes respond to light and form in 3d. Next I start to cut into leather and make prototypes to see how the designs work in the actual material. Next I create layouts which illustrate how the pattern will sit in the space – whether it be a full large wall panel, or a single artwork or furniture item. Once approved by the client I begin to make the final piece.
What are your projects for 2019 ?
I am currently exploring my etched metalwork and pattern work for a lovely lighting collection for a brand for launch later in the year and working on two large residential projects for sculpted panelling. My new work will take the form of exploring new materials to work with – this will take longer but I am hoping will be interesting and rewarding.