Timothy Oulton opens in Chelsea
(UK) – Timothy Oulton launches worldwide flagship store in London’s iconic Bluebird Garage.
Furniture and lighting company Timothy Oulton has opened the doors to its worldwide flagship store in London, a manifesto expression of everything it stands for: heritage, innovation, creativity and hospitality. All brought together under one roof in the historic Bluebird Garage on the storied King’s Road in Chelsea.
Originally a celebrated Art Deco motor garage, Bluebird enjoyed connections with legendary innovator, racing driver and record breaker Sir Malcolm Campbell. It has since born witness to much of London’s rich legacy of innovation, modern culture and design.
This pioneering spirit, fearlessness, and dedication to relevance are the very same values that have always inspired Timothy Oulton’s collections, and now become a central part of its future presence in London and worldwide.
The new 670m2 (7,200sqft) gallery will feature the largest retail display of Timothy Oulton collections anywhere in the world. The Victorian era collides with a 1960s anti-establishment streak in a portfolio of different ‘worlds’ including the glamorous Age of Elegance, urban slick Metro, eclectic Beat Generation, laid-back Loft Living, and tranquil Coastal Drift.
Alongside certain limited editions exclusive to Bluebird, all the brand’s established icons will be on show: the daring Westminster Jack’dN Brok’n sofa, the effortlessly sophisticated Shabby modular sofa, the iconic Aviator Tomcat chair, the timeless Saddle chair in Buck’n Brok’n, the floor-standing Rex mirror, and the Odeon chandelier.
The speakeasy-inspired Hudson and Bio Hazard bar cabinetry collections bear witness to a philosophy that beautiful interiors support the creation of hosted experiences. And a separate space creates a showcase for Timothy Oulton’s Noble Souls, a modular sofa collection handmade with natural vegetable-dyed linens using ancient dyeing techniques, and promising to create a realm of sensorial, social and cultural reconnection in any home.
The space is also replete with distinctive hallmarks of the Timothy Oulton philosophy, with a bold nod to every major influence of Tim Oulton’s approach to design. A selection of antiques from Rare by Oulton, procured and curated by Tim, speaks of his early days and ongoing involvement in the antiques trade, and includes part of one of the world’s largest collections of customised Louis Vuitton trunks. A giant fish tank housing a Yellow Submarine, plays on Tim’s endless fascinations.
A wall draped with 20 hand-finished leather hides, offered in the collection, is in keeping with Tim’s passion for authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. There’s Apollo, a custom designed ‘spaceship’, showcased at this year’s Milan Design Week, referencing Timothy Oulton Studio and its capability in delivering customised experience-led hospitality projects, which include the recently completed 1880 members’ club in Singapore and award-winning boutique hotel Glazebrook House, nestled in the Devon countryside.
The seasoned Timothy Oulton team at Bluebird is ready to offer an array of services, and is headed up by Ms Alessandra Raia, who has worked with Tim for many years, starting at the store in Harrods, and has trained with him in his workshops. Ms Raia is an expert in every aspect of the Timothy Oulton experience, and she is supported by Ms Nikita Noviello, who is dedicated to supporting the needs of interior design clients.
Timothy Oulton said: “It’s a special place, and we want to bring something very special to Bluebird, and to Chelsea. Inviting people into our home has always been at the core of our ethos, so we’re passionate that the gallery at Bluebird shows our home at its absolute best, and is not only a great furniture destination but it’s also a place to host and connect with people.”
