The creating of terrazzo floors for Dame Zandra Rhodes Penthouse London

Australian artist David Humphries creating the terrazzo Art floors for the lobby of Dame Zandra Rhodes Penthouse in the building of The Fashion and Textile Museum, Bermondsey London 2000 Terrazzo with mosaic inserts of onyx mirrored backed glass and semi precious stones Design collaborators: David Humphries & Zandra Rhodes Architect: Ricardo Legorreta, Mexico City Commissioned by Salah Hassanein 2000 The museum is dedicated to outstanding fashion and textile design, which allows the individual the freedom to express their own uniqueness through costume and art. Dame Zandra Rhodes lives in the penthouse apartments and her design studios occupy several levels of the building Zandra Rhodes is a legend in the world of fashion and over a 50 year career she has had many academic and professional honours bestowed upon her and was made a Commander of the British Empire by the Queen in 1997 & Dame Commander of the Order of British Empire 2014 She founded the Museum as her permanent legacy to the British World of Fashion. Knowing Zandra, it is not surprising to learn that Ricardo Legorreta, Mexico's most respected architect and one of the world's great colorists was the architect behind the project. The huge façade is burnt orange with accents of plum and, of course, Rhodes's signature, fuchsia. The entrance boasts a jewellery box of a mosaic - a starburst of glass, marble and semi-precious stones. The walls are brightest lapis. Further inside, walls of densely glowing shades from marigold to flame, punctuate a predominantly white stone interior. Zandra and David have known each other for 30 years. They have similar backgrounds as well as similar attitudes towards work and waste - of any kind! Artistically diverse, but acclaimed, they share a ferocious working class work ethic. By combining their broad based experiences across mediums and cultures, they have each created signature statements which express the style and nuances of London's Fashion and Textile Museum, Zandra's gift to the industry. Travels to India and Australia were inspirational for Zandra in the creation of her Museum. In India, it was beaded dresses and ornamental applique fabrics, in Australia, it was the clear starry skies and earth toned open spaces. Her visit to the Public Arts Squad Studio in Sydney was a key factor for both artists, enabling David to understand Zandra's global vision for her Museum. Interpreting that vision, he created the terrazzo floors which are the Museum's entrance statement. All decorative elements were sourced world wide by the Public Art Squad Studio. The stained glass used is very rare and was originally produced in France over 50 years ago. It is no longer made. http://www.publicartsquad.com.au/Terr...