Helen Amy Murray Furniture Couturière

Written by Michelle Foody on Saturday, 17 October 2009 12:45

Like any good style-hound, your wardrobe gets constant attention and every piece is on-trend…but what about your residence? If the contents of your living quarters arrived in an IKEA box or from the shelves of Target, it’s high time to redecorate (and grow up)! Enter custom furniture/wall-covering designer Helen Amy Murray.A 29-year-old native of Somerset, England, her ultra in-demand creations will add instant gorgeousness to any pad.
Known for her unique, one-of-a-kind carvings made from fabrics, Murray marries functionality with show-stopping creative design. As much artist as craftsperson, all her work is done on individual commissions, allowing every client to receive their exact specifications. Her pieces are irreproducible because she hand-cuts into the chosen fabric or textile, creating a signature sculptural relief.
Parker Knoll Winged Armchair

A graduate of Chelsea College of Art and Design, Helen Ann Murray majored in Textiles before moving to India for a three-month stretch. After resting her eyes on the intricate carvings rendered from the wood and stone, particularly at the Taj Mahal, that inspiration struck. Before long, she’d perfected her technique of replicating a whole slews of intricacies using her choice medium: textile and fabric. Murray’s work has enjoyed art-object status, with pieces shown at the Arums Gallery in Paris, the Victoria & Albert in London, and most recently, a solo show of her own self-generated ideas. So, ready to dip into luxury bespoke home design with your own Murray piece?
First off, pick a material: anything from leather to suede, faux leather, pure silk, high-tech non-wovens, or even a material of your own choosing—provided she can carve into it. Murray also allows clients to opt for their favorite finish, be it patent, pearlized or maybe even skin-like. Every color under the sun is fair game, to match, or pop, or even purposefully clash with your living space. Extra special bonus option? Ask for gold or silver leaf for the under-layer, revealed by the cutouts Murray hand-carves. Patterns span the gamut, too: from modern geometric to fanciful flowers and natural elements, even an abstract-ish take on fish scales.
Swivel Tub Chair

So many choices, so few rooms in one house! And not to worry if your preference falls into more than one design decade or style, because she’s one uber-versatile furniturista. Past armchair pieces have poached from Edwardian style, Georgian and1920’s designs through contemporary Arne Jacobsen egg chairs. If all these options are simply overwhelming, feel free to request a replica of Murray’s past creations, like the unbelievably beautiful TKTK or the un-ignorable, bright gold-leaf covered Art Deco “Cloud” chair from her 2008/09 collection.

Like your artwork on the wall rather than under your guests’ behinds? Helen Amy Murray can create a bespoke wall covering or wall-piece, just for your space, at your behest.
According to Murray, inspiration comes from her childhood in the English countryside, surrounded by natural elements, which she unites with her current urban life—living in East London with her husband, not far from her studio. A word of caution if any Sofisticati out there have their little hearts set on a signature Murray piece: order soon, as the young artist is expecting her first baby and will no doubt be very busy, very shortly!

For more information visit: www.helenamymurray.com/flash_content.html

-- By Michelle Foody
Headboard Star