Bridge For Design April 2015 Bridge For Design April 2015 | Page 86
T
im Gosling studied theatre design at Central St
Martin’s School of Art and Design and was a set
designer on West End musicals Miss Saigon and
Starlight Express, before spending 18 years as a
director at Linley so it is little wonder that his
theatrical background is so firmly established in his designs.
He uses his natural talent to inject an element of drama
into his creations and this, coupled with his meticulous
attention to detail, results in a perfect performance.
In 2005 he launched his company, simply named Gosling, to
provide the design world with contemporary furniture and design
service based on classical furniture.
He lives in an 18th-century house in Clapham Old Town, London,
which is a true reflection of his personality and acts as a showcase
for his passion for classical furniture.
Dark painted walls, bright gold leaf cornicing and intricate,
mahogany cabinetmaking create a warm and dramatic setting.
Inspiration for bold yellow walls came from the Soane Museum in
Lincoln’s Inn Fields where Tim can often be found on a Tuesday
evening when the whole museum is lit only by candles. He describes
this experience as ‘truly magical’ and one not to miss.
He is a custodian of many exquisite vellum books, rare sketches,
Grecian urns and fine statues, and he mixes these historical pieces
with contemporary, upholstered sofas and chairs - all pieces from
the Gosling for Todhunter Earle collection.
His bedroom is mellow and uncluttered. Soft muted walls, with
romantic lighting and a dramatic four poster bed has a faux fur
throw on it, where his Spaniel, Hachi, is usually found curled up
and fast asleep.
Gosling commissions include private homes, superyachts, hotels
and commercial headquarters.
The briefs may be for the entire space or just an individual piece
of furniture. Which ever it is, Tim likes to get involved with the
architectural and design team from the very beginning to ensure
the team has a sense of the scale.
He always has a pencil close at hand and still adheres to tradition
of producing hand sketched, line drawings of the project.
This enviable skill enables the team to have an instant visual
example of the space and ensures the client and designers are on
the ‘same page.’ It has also led to him publishing a wonderful book
of sketches called London Secrets, A Draughtsman’s Guide.
A recent commission involved the design of a London home in
the style of the lavish interior of the passenger ship SS Normandie.
In the entrance hall hangs a stunning chandelier commissioned
from Sharon Marston, which features fine Venetian glass and fibre
optics. The fluid form represents the movement of the sea and
perfectly enhances the curved staircase and inlaid flooring.
Tim is passionate about preserving British craftsmanship and
he uses the very finest, traditional cabinetmakers. He champions
the work of fine Vellum workers and straw marquetry experts and
is continually exploring, researching and experimenting with new
LEFT: Entrance hall in the style of the SS Normandie with huge fibre optic and
Venetian crystal chandelier
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Bridge for Design April 2015