Stepping into the Goodbye Horses wine bar in London is like embarking on a journey that intertwines the ideals of the Japanese Mingei and English Arts and Crafts movements. With a focus on embracing nature and craftsmanship amidst the digital age, Leopold Banchini Architects have masterfully transformed a Victorian-era building into a sanctuary for handmade, authentic design.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the world faced rapid industrialization, prompting the emergence of two influential movements: the Japanese Mingei and English Arts and Crafts. These movements celebrated the return to nature and the art of handmade craftsmanship. Goodbye Horses pays homage to these ideals by championing the value of natural materials and skilled artisans in today’s technologically-driven society.
Central to the spatial layout of the wine bar is a magnificent 10-meter-long timber bar. This versatile structure not only acts as a counter for serving drinks but also serves as a kitchen bench and dining table. Crafted with impeccable attention to detail, the bar is a testament to the beauty of handcrafted design that stands in contrast to the modern obsession with digital efficiency.
The interior of Goodbye Horses is adorned with custom furniture by carpenter DiSe, all meticulously fabricated from the same oak tree as the central bar. By exposing the century-old tree’s cracks and gnarled bark, the passage of time is immortalized, merging the traditional with the contemporary. This fusion of old and new creates a truly unique seating and table arrangement that tells a captivating story.
Inspired by the rich tapestry of world cultures, the bar’s furnishings pay homage to talented craftspeople around the globe. Bespoke stools and lights, crafted using Japanese hemp fiber paper, hand-casted Italian glass, volcanic stone, and oxidized brass, add an eclectic touch to the space. This celebration of multicultural craftsmanship not only enhances the visual appeal of the bar but also sparks conversations about the value of traditional techniques in a globalized world.
Artist Lucy Stein’s contribution to the bar’s ambiance cannot be understated. Her hand-painted hessian curtains envelop the space, providing a cozy atmosphere that complements the lantern-like light suspended above the central bar. The ethereal diffusion of light through naturally-hued materials creates a whimsical play of shadows, etching mystical motifs inspired by British mythology onto the walls. These motifs, reminiscent of stained-glass windows, further amplify the bar’s enchantment and allure.
Transforming the bar into a space of organic character, Leopold Banchini Architects opted for materials that echo the past. Limewash and roughcast cover the existing brick walls, offering a nod to traditional building methods. Additionally, a beaten earth floor, reminiscent of rustic countryside pubs, provides a hearty and authentic foundation for patrons to revel in the bar’s warm and inviting atmosphere.
Goodbye Horses wine bar successfully captures the essence of the Japanese Mingei and English Arts and Crafts movements, blending them seamlessly to create a sanctuary where nature and craftsmanship thrive. Through intentional design choices, attention to detail, and a celebration of multicultural craft, the bar transports visitors from the digital frenzy of the modern world, into an enchanting realm that cherishes the beauty of the handmade and the passage of time.
Image courtesy of Rory Gardiner