There is no doubt that Stuart Rattle was a master of his craft.
His work was elegant, timeless and utterly sophisticated. Clearly, it was of a superbly international standard. He approached his creative endeavours with a gentle sensitivity; Rather than showcasing his own style, a priority for many designers, he focused on his clients needs. He managed to highlight their lifestyles and capture their personalities. The results were sympathetic, calming and reflective.
We saw this sensitive and thoughtful style in his personal character also. Perhaps this is why his untimely passing this week was so unsettling; the tragic circumstances that have unfolded do not reflect his gentle demeanour. Personally, I admired Stuart from afar. Only meeting him on a few occasions. Still, the sense off loss is immense.
Looking at his work now, I am inspired by his classic style. Scale, proportion, colour and elegance transcend design trends to construct beautiful and timeless spaces. We are fortunate to have images of his work as a reminder of his creativity.
Here, I think, are some of the very best.
