Knotel at Old Sessions House
For Knotel's The Workclub at Old Sessions House, captivating art and design schemes elevate the building's classical style.
- Year
- 2023
- Client
- Knotel
- Location
- Farringdon, London, UK
- No. of Artists
- 20+
Old Sessions House has a story to tell
Part shared workspace, part social hub, The Workclub at Old Sessions House is a living, breathing environment that urges connection and drives inspiration.
With an exciting new vision for the grand, domed, former courthouse in the Clerkenwell district of London, set out by Knotel’s Creative Director, Dean Connell, we were asked to curate artworks that would go above and beyond their vision and set the tone for each room.
Old Sessions House has been transformed into an environment that nurtures a new community at what Knotel refers to as a 'workclub', to inspire members to become the best versions of themselves.
Initial collaboration stage with Knotel's Creative team
“We collaboratively curated the collection to be expressive and aspirational. It provides a clear counterpoint to the grand Old Sessions House.”
Dean Connell, Creative Director at Knotel
Studio Lenca
Curatorial Philosophy
The building as a brief
The original concept of ‘A place where the sky dreamer meets the future you’, formed a start point for our curation, in reference to the personalities and aspirations of those who would occupy and activate the space. Yet, with its character, elegance, and grit, the building itself became the brief.
The beautifully marked walls and floors of the House – cracked plaster, pencil markings, splashes of paint – are works of art in their own right, and bring the stories of previous occupiers of the building to life. Our curatorial strategy had to work harmoniously with this, to honour the House’s history, and build on Knotel’s modern new vision.
Brad Kenny
Kay Gasei
For Knotel, the traditional office dominated by the individual desk is now obsolete. Instead, inspired by the House, they envision a typical day as a variety of working, meeting and social 'sessions'.
Kay Gasei
Curation
Self-reflection, breaking barriers
Over 20 different artists were curated by the Acrylicize team, mainly based or born in London, to fill each room. These artists build a bridge between the House and its members, while cementing a permanent presence for the artists and their work. From silent workspaces with abstract pieces that feel transportive, to reference libraries with surreal photography meant to act as conversation starters, and relaxation rooms dotted with gentle, muted moments of respite that nod to the starting theme.
Fundamentally, we selected works that Knotel loved, and spoke the House’s truth. Through our curation work, we want to help the featured artists break barriers, to provide them with a platform, to offer them access to a space often considered inaccessible to many. Much of the work is self reflective; you can get a sense of who the artists are and what they represent, which allows them as individuals to become part of the identity of the House.
Paul Fuentes
Kieren Gallear
Kay Gasei
Studio Lenca
“The space is very weighted, with a lot of history. To have me - a Salvadoran, queer LatinX artist - in the space, it’s subverting the narrative in a way.”
Studio Lenca
'Tiger Motel', by Paul Fuentes
Curation
Acrylicize
Knotel
Interior Design
Dean Connell
Emily Nokes
Photography & Styling
Special thanks
Adire African Textiles
Pangolin London
More to explore
Brookfield Properties
Life all around us
The Edwardian Manchester
Reimagining an icon
