London, 17 October 2023 – Lasvit, the renowned design house specializing in glass and light, is proud to announce the installation of “Poppies,” a site-specific, handmade glass artwork made for The OWO hotel situated in one of the historic spaces within Raffles London in Whitehall. This large-scale bespoke installation finds its inspiration in the symbolism of the common poppy, paying homage to the historical significance of the building and commemorating the sacrifices made by war heroes.
Echoes of History
The Old War Office is located close to Buckingham Palace and holds a prominent place in London’s history as the former headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and the original office of Winston Churchill. It stands as an iconic landmark in the heart of the city, and resonates with stories of bravery, determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
Shalini Hinduja, representative of building owners Hinduja Group, and Matteo Canepari, The OWO’s Head of Design, believed the stunning triple height space facing the main courtyard of The OWO needed a special installation that could be visible from outside as well as within the Courtyard.
Initially, Petra Sošťáková, one of Lasvit’s experienced designers, proposed an installation consisting of elegant white glass petals hanging from the ceiling. During the creative conversations with the client, Ms. Hinduja and Mr. Canepari, suggested using a variation of reds, blacks and whites so that it could represent the poppies. Given the building’s historical context and the symbolism of the poppy flower in British culture, incorporating it was felt by everyone as the right artistic decision.
This was very much in line with Šosťáková creative vision, who then drew inspiration from her experiences living in London where she witnessed the profound importance of Remembrance Day. She observed the prominent role of the poppy flower as a symbol of tribute and respect for those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom.
Sošťáková explains her artistic vision: “I wanted to capture the essence of the natural poppy flowers, their swaying movement in the field, and the profound significance they hold. By creating numerous variations in the shapes of the glass petals, I was able to achieve an organic and unexpected composition that mimics the undulating motion of poppy flowers in nature.”
A Tribute in Glass
To create the centerpiece for Raffles London at The OWO, Lasvit meticulously crafted large-scale pieces of fused glass, with each glass piece individually cut and shaped into specific molds for individual petal variations. The attention to detail is evident in the use of different textures for the petals which mirror the natural formations of real flowers. Multiple shades of red were carefully selected to match the depth and richness found in nature. The result is an abstract art piece with poppy flowers cascading from the ceiling and coming together to form a grand poppy blossom when viewed from below, and when seen from The OWO’s Grand Courtyard
“We aimed to create a work that would be impossible to replicate elsewhere, one which would truly capture the essence of this remarkable building and its historical context,” says Sošťáková. “The organic shaping of each glass piece adds to the installation’s natural and captivating effect. The use of varying shades and textures moreover ensures that the installation remains dynamic, reflecting the ever-changing seasons and the interplay of natural and artificial light.”
The glass installation comprises 117 unique components featured in twelve different colors and textures, and stands as a testament to Lasvit’s commitment to artistic excellence and innovation. The fusion of traditional glassmaking techniques with contemporary design creates a uniquely contemplative experience for all visitors to The OWO and Raffles London.
ABOUT LASVIT
Lasvit is a design house specialized in creating daring spacial and light experiences. Founded by Leon Jakimič, Lasvit is an industry leader in both taste and ideas, with a boundless optimism and hunger for making art and design through fusing the traditional with the modern.
A progressive spacial concept company schooled in the long traditions of Bohemian glassmaking, Lasvit is a hub of uniquely creative art, design and production talent that creates breathtaking bespoke installations exhibited the world over, stunning glass lighting and glassware collections, as well as artisanal glass for architecture.
Lasvit’s unformulaic and bold approach has captivated the global design industry, winning some of the world’s most respected design awards.
Over the years, Lasvit has attracted renowned designers and artists who wish to express themselves through glass. Working together with such influential voices as The Campana Brothers, Kengo Kuma, Yabu Pushelberg, David Rockwell, Nendo and Ross Lovegrove, Lasvit has used their uninhibited artistry and unparalleled craft to help their partners realize the most unforgettable glass collections.
Lasvit is dedicated to a singular mission: To “Lift everyone” by creating breathtaking and sublime spacial experiences that touch the soul of all who look upon them.
Facts at a glance:
- Address: Whitehall, London SW1A 2EU
- Opening Friday September 29th 2023
- 120 rooms and suites, designed by the late Thierry Despont
- 85 Raffles branded residences, designed by 1508 London
- 9 restaurants and 3 bars led by world-class chefs and restaurateurs including three unique dining experiences by chef Mauro Colagreco
- Wellness and member’s health club by Guerlain and movement specialists Pillar comprising an extensive gym and movement studio, striking 20m swimming pool complete with a vitality pool. Spaces designed by Goddard Littlefair
- Event space comprises: The Whitehall Ballroom at 678 square metres; The Lawrence, pre-function area at 425 square metres; Morse Meeting Room at 94 square metres and Code Meeting Room at 89 square metres
About Raffles London at The OWO
Opening on Friday 29 September, Raffles London at The OWO will host London’s first Raffles Hotel, a prestigious new hotel in a landmark Grade II* listed building on Whitehall. Situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses, the building has undergone a monumental transformation comprising 120 rooms and suites alongside 85 spacious private residences. raffles.com/London
About The OWO
Opening on Friday 29 September, the former Old War Office in Whitehall will open as The OWO. Situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses, the building has undergone a monumental transformation and will be home to 9 destination restaurants and three bars, a 120-room Raffles London at The OWO, and 85 Raffles branded residences. At the helm of The OWO project is the Hinduja Group, an international multi-billion-pound turnover business with experience in restoration and renovation of historic buildings and Onex Holding, a private investment group with a strong track record of developing and operating strategic and critical infrastructure. theowo.london
About Raffles
Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels, Resorts and Residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At each landmark address, distinguished guests and residents will find a world of timeless elegance and enchanted glamour, where Raffles’ renowned legacy of gracious service knows no bounds. As the authentic heart of a destination, Raffles champions fine art and design, and fosters culture in all its forms, guiding guests to make discoveries in their own time and way. Raffles’ commitment to local communities is expressed through diverse initiatives with a unified mission to actively support the arts and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh and Bali; with flagship openings upcoming in London, Boston, Macau and Bahrain in 2023. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com