Graven Images features in Sleeper Magazine

10.01.06

Graven Images’ restyling of the interiors for the Radisson SAS Hotel in Edinburgh has created a crisp contemporary interior with subtle Scottish references throughout.

One of Edinburgh’s most popular hotels, the Radisson SAS reopened in Autumn 2005 following a £5 million extensive refurbishment programme. The hotel is located on the historic Royal Mile, where shopkeepers peddle shortbread, tartan and single-malt whisky to American tourists.

But where the Radisson’s neo-gothic façade would once have given the fair idea of the ‘schlock-jock’ interior that lay within, the hotel’s new interior is once more reflective of 21st century Scotland, where the designers have blended methods of production tried and tested over centuries with a distinctly modern vernacular.

The new interiors, which extend from the guestrooms to the hotel’s new Itchycoo bar and restaurant, have been designed by Glasgow-based agency Graven Images, following their work on the ‘Collage’ bar and restaurant for the Radisson SAS at their Glasgow hotel.

Jim Hamilton of Graven Images explains: “The brief was to create a modern interior for the rooms, reception and the foyer bar. In the rooms particularly, there was an opportunity to lean towards a modern Scottish interpretation. Our approach was influenced by traditional arts and crafts that were still being utilised and produced locally in the 21st century.”

The rooms thus offer subtle touches of Scotland with a contemporary twist. Innovative black-on-black thistle repeat motif wallpaper from Timorous Beasties has been combined with luxurious Bute fabric curtains (modern tweeds still produced using traditional methods on the Isle of Bute) to emphasise the medieval-style windows. Simple, textured carpets with a woven looped pile of oatmeal and black complement modern bedside lamps and standard lights.

The hotel’s sense of Scottishness is most evident in the specially commissioned work of local photographer Renzo Mazzolini, whose monochrome images of interesting Edinburgh landmarks feature in every guest room.

“We didn’t just want the stereotypical tourist board views,” explains Hamilton. “We wanted to deliver the more gritty characteristics that Edinburgh has within its old town and new town and underlying areas. We didn’t just want to produce four photographs and have them repeated throughout the hotel.”

As well as being used in the rooms, the photography was also cleverly deployed in the reception area, alongside a hardwood cut-out map of Edinburgh city centre.

Hamilton describes this as “our version of a city tour for guests,” one which “enables guests to make informed choices about where they want to go and what they want to see by viewing a collection of photography rather than looking at individual shots in a magazine.”

A new sleek lounge by reception has comfy Constans armchairs in charcoal Tiree fabric and small coffee tables, with Ethel Pendant lights adding sparkle and intimacy.

One of the biggest structural changes was to bring the bar out of the belly of the hotel so that it fronts onto the high street. The new operation has the memorable name ‘Itchycoo’—a name dreamt up in Graven Images’ office and adopted after some initial consternation.

Itchycoo has been conceived by Graven Images in conjunction with New York chef Christer Larsson and Roy Ackerman. Jim Hamilton explains: “We were given a brief to create a flexible modern bar that would suit an international tapas menu.”

Christer adds: “How often do you look at a menu and think I want that, that and that, but then have to make your decisions to fit the format? At Itchycoo you are invited to try them all, with smaller portions designed for you to take your time and enjoy the experience of quality food served within a relaxed but stylish environment with no pretensions.”

On the walls there is a collection of unique artworks by the artist and actor Bob Kingdom, perhaps most famous for his one man show ‘Dylan Thomas’. The five installations feature the faces of popular icons including Salvador Dali and Louis Armstrong and have been made 3D by the intricate folding of paper. This creates a 3D impression of the face, which changes depending on the position of the viewer.

Bob explains a little bit about where he got his idea for the pieces: “I’ve always been able to do things that I imagine others can do too, but then find they’re fascinated in the things I take for granted. Like writing backwards. And folding paper. I started with bus tickets whilst whiling away a journey, then presented the unsuspecting inspector with an exotic creation. When I realised what folding did to a face I became interested and excited. You are able to create aspects that are not apparent in a flat image which slows down the seeing process as you walk past.”

One would imagine that Edinburgh residents familiar with the old Radisson SAS will slow down as they walk past the refurbished hotel now. Rather than presenting a faceless corporate hotel Graven Images have created a modern interior to which the Scottish references add depth and character. Just as Kingdom’s portraits do to their otherwise familiar subjects.