Working to a highly contemporary design created by Waldo Works, The Benbow Group has helped to create a state-of-the-art showroom at the new premises of fine jewellery and antique specialists, Wartski.
Working to a highly contemporary design created by Waldo Works, The Benbow Group has helped to create a state-of-the-art showroom at the new premises of fine jewellery and antique specialists, Wartski. Wartski was founded in North Wales in 1965, and as a nod to this heritage, the showcases and wall panelling created by Benbow are clad in ridged concrete flecked with slate from the quarries of North Wales: a finish created by specialist firm Jesmonite. Access to showcases is via electronically operated glass panels, which slide silently on precision mechanisms by Elelock Systems, a frequent contributor to Benbow’s highly crafted showcase projects for the high end watch and jewellery sector.
A central corridor lined with highly bespoke wall panels and display cases leads to a gallery with a full height silk lined showcase creating a magnificent focal point. A private viewing room takes the theatre a stage further by the use of hidden showcases, which dramatically reveal their contents in a blaze of light at the chosen moment. Waldo’s design creates theatre and drama through material selection and slick operational features. Both factors created significant challenges of weight and tolerance, but Benbow’s craftsmen are well practised at tackling such constraints, and the end result is a stunning platform for Wartski to display their impressive wares.
Joint managing director of Wartski, Katherine Purcell commented: “The craftsmen’s attention to detail, the way in which they tackled the challenges of dealing with unforgiving materials such as jesmonite, is unparalleled. Not only did they create bespoke desks, tables and wooden doors and drawers for our showroom, they handled the complexities of showcases that incorporated sliding glass mechanisms with enthusiasm and professionalism. Our new premises have been transformed as a result, and have not only immeasurably improved the day-to-day workings of the shop, but have elicited consistent praise from visitors.”
Design by Waldo Works Display cases, wall panelling, cabinetry by The Benbow Group Ltd Lifting mechanisms by Elelock Systems Ltd Jesmonite panels by Jesmonite Ltd Site fitout by Portview Ltd
