News

If you've ever wondered how artist and designers start researching a new subject to draw then here Jac Scott reveals some initial steps in drawing with ink.

Inspired by the mesmerising flocks of Canada geese flying in the vast Norfolk skies she starts studying the birds and collecting some photos for detailed referencing. Then the first sketches emerge.

Flying in Black & White from Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery on Vimeo.

Where will you put our new KNOT pendant light?

Utopia's KNOT light brings a contemporary 'loft living' vibe with nuances of the nautical and the industrial. We love the the mix of materials and simple lines of this design, making it an easy fit for most stylish homes - where will you put your KNOT?  It has been created from a waxed, wooden ceiling rose and lamp holder with a giant knot of chunky jute rope cable. 

The extra attraction of this pendant light is that they are all made to order. This means you can specify the length of the cable and how many knots you'd like plus how many drops. 

Prices start at £90 for a single KNOT.

This light looks fabulous with the modern retro-style LED filament that provides a great light at low cost, without any heat build up. 

Raw Collection

The Raw Collection captures an elemental grandeur for interiors wherein the essence of beautiful materials is celebrated in the raw. The main inspiration for this stylish contemporary collection is the four natural elements: fire, air, earth and water.  Through harnessing the juxtaposed energies of: metal, wood and stone a natural dynamic in design evolves.

Turning green...naturally.

We have always loved green at Utopia and this month we seem to be bathed in it! Our passion for verdigris also shows no abating with the creation of both new lights and lamps. So, if you love it too, then do keep a watch out on the website and in the gallery for more to come.

What is verdigris? Here’s some basic chemistry. Natural verdigris is the term used for a bluish green patina that appears as a crustation on copper, brass and bronze that has been weathered over time from the exposure to air or seawater (atmospheric oxidisation). A hastened finish can be achieved through the application of acetic acid to the metal, although this never looks the same as it lacks the natural depth and range of greens and blues that natural oxidisation achieves.

The call of the wild - experimenting, designing, casting, moulding, carving, sculpting: multi-award winning sculptor, Jac Scott MRBS, an associate member of Royal Society of Sculptors, starts creating bird patterns for sculptures. This exciting new work is on its way for a an avian inspired collection of three-dimensional art - expect something different!

A 40 second glimpse into some of the creative design processes we use.

Getting Plastered at Utopia from Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery on Vimeo.

Drawing to commission has a different dynamic, one where the poetry of creativity has a tension. The management of that is where Utopia excels, as exemplified in the last twelve months when Jac has been commissioned by both corporate companies and private clients to draw a range of subject matter.

We thought you might be interested in both the process and the results.

What happens when I commission a drawing at Utopia?

• CONSULTATION

The first step is to have an in-depth consultation with Jac on what your ideas are and how Utopia might fulfil them. We also discuss options for developing the idea and find out your budget and deadline – key parts of working productively together.

• SITE VISIT                  

Secondly, a site visit is booked. From this, basic research material is gleaned and then a quote is provided. Utopia does not charge for these initial meetings.

• CONTRACT                  

A simple contract is drawn stating: the brief, financial terms and schedule. On signed agreement and exchange of the contract, plus receipt of the non-returnable deposit, the work begins.

• RESEARCH                  

Jac will need to make some site visits to collect research material (sketches, photographs etc) but exactly how many are arranged, depends on the brief. The visits are always arranged with the client in advance and at times of mutual convenience. Many of the site visits are outside and therefore dependant on suitable weather conditions.

• SKETCH

It is usual for a preliminary sketch illustrating the composition to be forwarded to the client prior to a full drawing being created. This ensures that both parties are clear about the brief and that both are heading in the same direction. Any amendments are then made.

• DRAWING                  

At this stage the exciting part commences as the full drawing is developed. On completion a low-resolution version is emailed to client for feedback.

• CHANGES                  

Any little changes to the drawing are executed, the final version is agreed, then this stage is signed-off by the client.

• OTHER MATERIALS

If developments like framing and printing have been asked for, then it is at this stage in the process that they are managed.

• COMPLETION

On receipt of the drawing (and other materials) the client pays the balance and does a final sign-off to show the commission has finished.

This process enables both parties to clearly understand what is happening and when, so there is little chance for misunderstandings. Jac has spent twenty-five years as a professional artist working to commission, so she understands the process well and finds it rewarding developing new works from clients ideas.

Please get in touch if you have a concept you’d like to explore further.

Here are some commissions from clients in the last twelve months.

Tips on enjoying making decorations with natural materials.

Deciding on a Christmas theme for the gallery is always a delicious dilemma. This year a local ramble with Moss across the fields provided the answer with bunches of giant dead cow parsley - perfect for a loose ethereal arrangement when sprayed with gold.

Have a go yourself if you like natural materials at Christmas

1. Pick the cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) on a dry day and strip off any leaves so that the stems are clean. Cow parsley is quite brittle so be careful handling it. Keep the plants dry.
2. Trim the stalks as required.
3. Choose a still, dry day for spraying the plant with metallic spray paint - its amazing how far the spray travels so its advisable to remove any objects you don't want covered, use protective sheeting on the ground and wear old clothes and shoes. Or for smaller pieces a cardboard box makes a great temporary spray booth. We recommend wearing a mask over your nose and mouth to prevent inhalation of any noxious fumes. We use an environmentally friendly spray, but it still smells awful.

TIP - It is better to spray several thin layers of paint, letting them become touch dry between each coat, as the paint will then be less likely to flake off.

4. Let the plant dry thoroughly before arranging. 

We'd love to see a photo of your results so please post them on our FACEBOOK page.

If you want to see our efforts then call by our gallery.

ABOVE: Arnolfini Marriage, 1434, Jan van Eyck

A chandelier, other wise referred to as a girandole or candelabra lamp, is a suspended ornamental light with multiple branches. The wealthy have been enjoying chandeliers since medieval times when rustic wooden structures with candles on spikes were de rigueur. Although rudimentary, these statement lights made imposing interior features in fourteenth century rooms. A mechanism for the frequent replacing of the candles was necessary, so a hoist incorporating ropes or chains was installed on a nearby wall.

BELOW: We spotted this magnificent crystal chandelier at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk

Through the centuries the chandelier has gradually metamorphosized into grander and more embellished lights with the use of more exotic and expensive materials being incorporated including precious metals and jewels. Synonymous with the rich and powerful these ornate lights found a wider appeal with the development of lead crystal in 1674. Its arrival transformed chandeliers as the material supported cheaper manufacture, whilst retaining a beguiling refraction of the light.

Today, the grand crystal chandelier is still in vogue but it now has numerous cousins, many who hark back to the light’s origins. Here are Utopia we enjoy playing with old ideas and manipulating antiques into something different, something unexpected, so of course over the years we have reinterpreted chandeliers in many ways. Our latest design harnesses pairs of antique hames into various configurations.

We create these chandeliers from pairs of horse hames - in single or double pairs in a range of styles (brass - Raw 55 pictured, wood & iron and painted steel) depending on the original antiques. Prices from £500.

Raw 55  Antique Brass Horse Hames Giant Chandelier

A unique and stunning giant chandelier/pendant light with contemporary character transformed by Utopia from two pairs of antique/vintage solid brass hames. The antiques are in great condition - they form the branching structures of the chandelier.  Please note that the pairs are not identical but very similar.

Hames form the integral part of a heavy horse collar, usually made of metal and/or wood, they are often padded and with a leather casing. The collar is used to distribute weight around the horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a plough.

This striking light has been created using brass fittings including a large ceiling rose with 8 cable grips and a central hook for the chains, edison/screw lamp (bulb) holders, 4 brass ceiling hooks for the outer chains, welded brass link chain and old gold retro-style twisted cable. There is great flexibility with the height of this light as the chains and cable can be easily adjusted.

This light looks great with the modern retro-style LED filament that provides a great light at low cost, without any heat build up. 

Dimensions: Variable height. Diameter 160cm

How Unexpected

In these unpredictable times, we add to the craziness with some exciting news - we've changed how we price our lampshades and can now offer clients many at lower prices. Savings of up to £20 can be made.

The Classical Plain & Textured Shades Collection is now in 2 price bands which means that many of our most popular lines have been reduced in price.

Utopia's Classical Plain & Textured Shades Collection

Utopia's unique Classical Collection includes nearly 90 materials available from our interiors gallery including: plain linens, shiny metallics, textured hessians, smooth cottons, cork, parchments and a variety of vellums. On our website there is a special selection of these, all designed to enhance your lamp or room perfectly.

Classic Silver Lampshade |Handmade in Britain

Contemporary silver shade with silver solaris edging ribbon - handmade in Britain. This fashionable statement shade adds shine and reflective qualities to any interior scheme plus it adds a modern twist to older lamps.  Available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Prices from £20

Classic Ivory/Brown Linen Lampshade |Handmade in Britain

Luxurious natural linen in neutral ivory or mid brown to beautifully coordinate with most interiors  - handmade in Britain. Prices from £25

Classic Copper Lampshade |Handmade in Britain

Contemporary copper shade with copper solaris edging ribbon - handmade in Britain. This fashionable statement shade adds colour and reflective qualities to any interior scheme plus it adds a modern twist to older lamps.  Prices from £20

Classic Gold Vellum Lampshade |Handmade in Britain

Our luxurious textured gold vellum shades, with gold solaris edging ribbon, make a glamorous statement that easily coordinates with most interior design schemes - handmade in Britain. This shade is a great compliment to our antique metal lamps. Prices from £25

Cool Stuff

We also now stock a full range of coolie shades at the gallery - these are a great contemporary shape but are not available in printed designs. 

Size Matters

If you need a giant size shade then these are available to order and collect from the gallery.

Lampshade specifications

• British professional manufacturers with over 25 years experience make all our shades.
• Only 100 shades are created from each design regardless of shape.
• Every design includes the designer’s signature.
• All designs are available in lamp or pendant fitting.
• Each shade carries a bulb wattage recommendation label as standard.
• All lampshades comply with BS EN 60598-2-2:2012 - the British Standard for Luminaries. All shades have passed the glow-wire test and are made from fire-retardant materials.
• Each shade is wrapped in protective, clear cellophane and includes a trademark Utopia wooden label.

Other shade configurations, to those listed, can be arranged through placing a special order.

We recommend using low-energy/LED filaments with all our shades and lights.

Also many of our Limited Edition (100) Collection of printed designs are lower too.

Discover the unexpected and inspiring handmade antique poetry book behind Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery's 'Literati Collection' limited edition (100) lampshades, 'Open Book' design. War poet Rupert Brooke's memoir is revealed in all its deckle edged splendour.

Poetry in Motion from Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery on Vimeo.

Looking after yourself is always on the agenda, but it doesn’t always get attention – we know first hand how hard it can be. So, we have devised a suggestion of a day trip to somewhere that will rejuvenate you. This idea does come with a serious health warning that you may leave feeling inspired, exercised, relaxed and well fed!

2. Top up your art-fix by visiting Norfolk By Design’s curated selling exhibition that runs all summer in the atmospheric stables. Here you'll find affordable art from the cream of the county's artists and designers. Plus you'll see our responses to the wonderful landscaped grounds in the form of two new drawings - now available as limited edition fine art prints framed and unframed. ‘Houghton Hall: West Perspective’ and ‘Houghton Hall: East Perspective’ reveal vistas where dynamic avenues of planted beech and lime punctuate the country estate. The trees act as a dramatic counterpoint to this historic hall - creating sight lines with a powerful perspective.

3. Unwind and lose yourself in the impressive sculpture garden with pieces: 'Skyspace’ by the American artist James Turrell, Anya Gallacio, Zhan Wang, Stephen Cox, Jeppe Hein, Rachel Whiteread and Phillip King.

4. Sharpen your eyesight with a stroll around the parkland spotting herds of deer - the unusual white deer are a particular treat.

5. Relax in the 5 acres of the picturesque walled garden - one of the Hall's favourite places.

6. Get inspired by one of England's finest Palladian houses - built in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.

Then take some sustenance at the Stables cafe.

If you’re not replete then pop down the road to see us at Creake Abbey for more art, food and history.