THE BLACKWOOD SASSAFRAS

In 2020, Melbournes lockdown saw the temporary closeure of my Bed and Breakfast, The Blackwood Sassafras.

It allowed me the luxury of time to renovate and restyle the interior. New details were added in a neutral pallet and woody tones creating a subtle masculine atmosphere. The interior now sparkles with decorative highlights in cut glass and thoughtfully selected vintage pieces.

The Blackwood has the look of a London or a New York apartment from the Edwardian era, and could pass as being built with the properties nearby original house in 1910. There is perhaps a gentleman who lives there, his top hat and cane are on the coat stand, his books are by the fire and his whiskey is in a cut glass decanter on the elegant sideboard. He is passionate about traditional, hand-tailored style but he enjoys the luxuries of the modern world.

The Blackwood Sassafras is styled on this concept; traditional details combined with state of the art technology, to create an exclusive retreat for your enjoyment.

It is booked out solidly through the festive season, but bookings are open now for January and beyond.

https://www.theblackwoodsassafras.com.au

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN

An interesting history of Halloween…

Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2019 occurs on Thursday, October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.

Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.

Happy Halloween.

Justin.

Art of dining 2019

Art of Dining 2019, held this week at the National Gallery of Victoria, was an event filled with creativity, beauty, elegance and intrigue.

Forty four designers, artists, stylists and retailers came together in support of the NGV, each presenting their ultimate dinner table, in their own individual style.

Almost 4000 design aficionados came through the doors to view this remarkable and truly inspirational event, held over two nights and  two days at the NGV.

I was honoured to be asked to take part as a designer. From the outset, I knew I wanted to produce a table befitting my timeless design style;  based on my love of classic design.  

My artist statement...

“The architectural model seen at the heart of my Art of Dining table is a reference to my passion for neoclassical design and my early design days working as a decorative model maker. The model, styled in my signature colours of black and antique gold, features neoclassical motifs, it is the hero of my table scheme and one could say, of my design aesthetic.

The period of Neoclassicism began in the mid-18th century. In its purest form, it is a style principally derived from the architecture of classical antiquity, the Vitruvian principles, and the work of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio, one of my design hero’s.

Today, In my interior design work, the timeless elegance of neoclassicism is paramount and remains one of my greatest influences.”

Thrilled with the outcome, this was a truly amazing event!

Art of Dining 2019 - Best of the Best

National Gallery of Victoria 

May 1st-3rd 2019

Art of Dining... Developing a concept

The concept I am developing for my Art of Dining table is a reference to my love of neoclassical design and an homage to my early design days working as an architectural  model maker. My table, styled in my signature colours of black and antique gold, will feature neoclassical motifs.

The period of Neoclassicism began in the mid-18th century. In its purest form, it is a style principally derived from the architecture of classical antiquity, the Vitruvian principles, and the work of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio, one of my design hero’s.

The timeless elegance of neoclassical style is paramount in my work and remains one of my greatest influences. 

I’m excited to be bringing my table concept to life in May! Tables will be on view in the NGV Great Hall – Thu 2 May and Fri 3 May, 10am-5pm & Thu 2 May 6-9pm Tickets on sale now!

https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/support-us/ngv-womens-association/events/art-of-dining-best-of-the-best/

Art of Dining: Best of The Best 2019

“Art of Dining: Best of the Best 2019 brings together 44 spectacular tables designed by Australia’s leading artists, interior designers, couturiers, florists, stylists and retailers.

Visitors will view tables from the whimsical to the avant-garde celebrating creativity and innovation in dining design. A stellar line up of Creatives are generously donating their rare and wonderful talent.”

I have been invited to take part as a designer in this prestigious event, and I am truly honoured. Planning and executing this will be an exciting, creative challenge and an absolute highlight in my year!

It will be a must see for all design aficionados,

 https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/support-us/ngv-womens-association/events/art-of-dining-best-of-the-best/

Tables will be on view in the NGV Great Hall – Thu 2 May and Fri 3 May, 10am-5pm & Thu 2 May 6-9pm

Tickets on sale early March 2019.