Objects of Desire

Notes on our most coveted art & design pieces and collaborations. 

The Wick Culture - We Were There by Lanre Bakare

Object We Were There by Lanre Bakare

£17.45

Guardian journalist Lanre Bakare makes his Hay Festival debut on Friday 30th May this year, with this vital revision of British history. We Were There is a vibrant work of non-fiction accounting for the lives that made Black Britain in the 1970s and 1980s beyond London – communities that always existed but have never been properly recognised by the official canons. It pays homage to the lives and cultural contributions of many from activists to artists. A fascinating read.

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The Wick Culture - There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak

Object There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak

£8.49

The Hay Festival begins next week (running 22 May – 1 June) and in celebration of its programme of the best of literature around the world, The Wick has selected three books by speakers to read now. First up is British Turkish novelist Elif Shafak (in conversation with Kirsty Lang on 25th May), whose latest novel, There Are Rivers in the Sky, was an instant bestseller when it came out last year. It is a tale of love and loss, taking place between the 19th century and today, between the banks of the Tigris and the Thames. A page-turner.

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The Wick Culture - Sisters of Fire and Fury by Laura Bates

Objects Sisters of Fire and Fury by Laura Bates

£9.99

Founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, award-winning writer and activist Laura Bates is at Hay to present the second in her Arthurian epic fantasy aimed at young adults aged 12+. Sisters of Fire and Fury (published last week) is the sequel to Sisters of Sword and Shadow, redefining the genre for the next generation – and has already won acclaim from critics for its fierce and fearless tale of sisterhood and solidarity, as protagonist Cass embarks on a new adventure. Bates is speaking about the book on May 26th.

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The Wick Culture - Blue & White Galaxy Extra Large Chalice by Henry Holland Studio

Object Blue & White Galaxy Extra Large Chalice by Henry Holland Studio

£195

We are lusting over everything in Henry Holland’s latest Galaxy Collection – an evolution of the brand’s core collection that cleverly repurposes clay offcuts and reimagines colour combinations formed during the process of its striped nerikomi technique. Nerikomi is a Japanese hand-building pottery technique that involves creating decorative patterns in the clay itself, before firing, by layering and combining different colored clays. The collection also looks to Japanese paper marbling, known as Suminagashi, the inspiration for the swirling, celestial patterns. Each piece, like this generously curved and multifunctional chalice, is entirely unique and handmade in Hackney at the Henry Holland Studio.

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The Wick Culture - Rose Wylie Teapot for Loewe

Object Rose Wylie Teapot for LOEWE

Price on Request

For their annual exhibition at Salone del Mobile/a> in April LOEWE launched a collection of teapots specially developed by 25 artists, designers and architects. Known for its celebration of craft and its nurturing of the next generation of practitioners, Loewe invited each artist to approach the perennial household item with originality and flair – reimagining the vessel as a sculptural form drawing on varied traditions found all over the world. The teapot’s most distinctive elements – its handle and spout – were the focal points for many of the artists. Our absolute favourite has to be this design by Rose Wylie. Taking inspiration from British Royal Albert china tea sets, it features an exaggerated lid and fluted detailing and Wylie’s trademark handwritten witticism. It’s whimsical and elegant, all at once.

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The Wick Culture - ​La Femme Invisible and L'Homme Visible by Lindsey Mendick

​Object La Femme Invisible and L’Homme Visible by Lindsey Mendick

£1400

This week at The Wick we’re coveting new ceramic pieces by artists and designers. Top of the list is this recently launched couple by Margate-based artist Lindsey Mendick, known for her fantastical and surreal clay works as seen at exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery and Hauser & Wirth. Mendick’s La Femme Invisible and L’Homme Visible are a response to the iconic 1990s Jean Paul Gaultier perfume bottles, but subverting the classical idealised male and female forms into realistic and lifelike aged body forms as a satire on the cruel taboos surrounding ageing, particularly for women. Each edition is handmade, unique, and signed, and glazed with a 24 karat gold lustre finish. The edition comes in a series of 20 male and 20 female designs. They’re also sold separately at £750 each, but we think they work perfectly together. What’s more, all funds raised through the sale of these pieces will go directly to funding the exhibition programme at Quench for 2025 and 2026.

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The Wick Culture - The Big Egg Hunt

Object The Big Egg Hunt Silent Auction

Elephant Family and Clarence Court eggs have joined forces this year to create a fundraiser for their vital conservation work, The Big Egg Hunt 2025. Some of the world’s favourite artists have decorated large-scale eggs, installed as a trail across London until 27 April. Until then, you can also bid on the eggs in their silent auction: your chance to own the ultimate Easter egg, designed by the the likes of Anya Hindmarch, LUAP, Chopard, Philip Colbert, Duncan Campbell & The Wick’s recent Monday Muse, Laxmi Hussain.

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The Wick Culture - Gohar World Egg Chandelier

Object Gohar World Egg Chandelier

£320

Is there anything more fantastically egg-inspired than this Gohar World chandelier? With a surrealist twist, the wrought iron chandelier – inspired by the chandeliers seen throughout the label’s home city of Cairo – is designed with 11 egg holders. We think it makes an amazing centrepiece for hosting breakfasts and brunch year-round.

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The Wick Culture - Claridge's Milk Chocolate Easter Praline Eggs

Object Claridge’s Milk Chocolate Easter Praline Eggs

£28

It’s Easter weekend! Luxuriate over the long weekend with this selection of 18 miniature chocolate eggs by Claridge’s. Nested within each marbled shell is delicious velvety praline – the perfect way to end a period of fasting and abstinence. The package is tied with a chic chevron bow that is unmistakably Claridge’s classic style.

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The Wick Culture - Summer Games Beach Towel by Hermes

Object Summer Games Beach Towel by Hermes

£620

Spring has – dare we say it – finally sprung and with it the season for swimming (unless you’re one of the brave). Whether you’re heading to leisure centre, lido or are lucky enough to have access to a private pool, this Summer Games screenprinted cotton terry beach towel by Hermes is the most striking and beautiful companion we can imagine wrapping ourselves in after. Drape over your lounger and be the envy of all. The design is by artist Geoff McFertridge, and the message is one of “openness to the world and harmony”.

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