Adam Byatt, chef and owner of Clapham’s Trinity restaurant, offers up his new first floor dining space Upstairs at Trinity as an intimate setting for the newest creation from London-based artist Kristjana S Williams.
After the incredibly successful opening of Upstairs, Adam has commissioned critically acclaimed artist Kristjana S Williams to complete the room with a masterful floor-to-ceiling permanent installation that showcases contemporary illustration at its finest.
Williams’ universe of colourful flora and fauna look out through hexagonal glass windows, tessellating to form three distinct islands across the wall.
The Icelandic born designer has made a name for herself in the Capital with her unique style, which involves intricate layers of watercolour, photographs, hand-cut paper, Victorian stencils and collage. Kristjana’s work has been recognized with a D&AD award, a New York Festivals Grand Prix & First Prize, as well as having been shortlisted by the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. The artist’s pieces have been showcased in some of London’s most iconic venues from the Shard to Harrods, with exhibitions at the V&A and a permanent installation in Mayfair’s historic Connaught Hotel.
Kristjana discusses her inspiration for the piece: “I wanted to create a new hexagonal pattern to underlie the work, focusing more on all things culinary, like the tree with teapots the meringues, seashells, beautiful eggs so many different types of wonderful fungus and flowers.
I drew inspiration from the emphasis on plating – when we place the flowers or butterflies, it can be the same as when one garnishes or sauces a plate, as the patterns created when plating a dish can be quite graphic. It is always very considered and there’s a particular order to everything that is put on the plate.”
Adam Byatt says: “I really wanted to see a modern yet interesting and creative artist whose vibrant work would accentuate the restaurant we were to become. The new look Trinity was always going to have a classic feel and needed punctuating with some stunning art. As well as being superbly talented, Kristjana is clearly one of the most original and distinctive artists around, and an absolute joy to work with. I am honoured to have such dynamic pieces of work here at Trinity.”
