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Through all the frustrations and
occasional triumphs of the past two years, my endeavours have been
supported morning, noon and wee small hours by a beautifully designed
and crafted workstation in limed oak, with seven drawers and unusual
metal tripod legs. It houses my computer, my books and files, supporting
me, my work and my dreams through thick and thin. How many objects
in your life can you say that about?
Then there is the dining table,
coffee table and an unusual piece that houses a video projector.
For all these wonderful objects I have to thank furniture maker
and designer Michael Reed. Michael is creative, interesting and
eccentric in the finest Notting Hill tradition, which is not surprising
since here has been working just off Ladbroke Grove for nearly 30
years.
Although trained in film and photography,
he got suckered into knocking up stage props for old school chums
Genesis. The band never stopped touring, and Michael never stopped
making things. Stage props turned into mixing desks for recording
studios and fashionable video editing suites, then smart furniture
for trendy advertising agencies.
Using a combination of materials
including timber, steel, glass, leather and cast concrete, Michael
developed a style that can only be described as Hi-Tech Arts & Crafts.
His desks, tables and bookshelves, with their clean lines and natural
finishes enhance the qualities of the wood, which is often antique
or storm damaged timber. And for that once in a lifetime commission,
he still keeps 3 of the original turned, teak pilars from the gundeck
of H.M.S. Victory. All work is highly crafted to traditional standards.
A true Hillite, Michael has been at Arch 18 since 1976 just off
the back garden of 10 Rillington Place, the home of the notorious
Dr. Crippen. In the same year he moved into 35 St Lukes Mews, at
the time being squatted by Motorhead. He knows how to pick his locations.
Michael is just back from Mustique where he was supervising the
installation of pieces of his furniture into publisher Felix Dennis's
palatial mansion this was a tough job but someone had to do it.
Not exclusive to the rich and famous, Michael has come up with inspired
ideas and interesting, flexible design solutions for many not so
rich and famous locals.
That said, he does now boast an impressive and varied client list
which includes Lord Grade of Elstree,The Rolling Stones, Michael
Jackson, Pink Floyd, Pope John Paul II and The Mill, the hugely
successful Soho based post production facility, formerly owned by
U2S. And, most important, the Chairman of MyVillage, with his limed-oak
companion. Hell, you could be next and you'd be in good company!
Especially as Michael is kindly sponsoring MyVillage and our goals
by offering a 10% discount to MyVillage users.
Find out more:
Arch 18
Arch 12 (don't ask!)
Kingsdown Close
London W10 5SW
t el: 0207 229 5391
www.arch18.co.uk
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