Be-Spoke

As the largest remaining parcel of brownfield land in London, Bishopsgate Goodsyard enjoys a rich layered history and is known for its distinctive Victorian industrial architecture. The area has long been a crucible for lateral thinking and new ideas; connecting a diverse tapestry of communities, it is a seam that runs through the creative and financial districts of Shoreditch. Adriana is joined b...

This episode explores Exchange Square's transformative reimagining. A peaceful oasis in the heart of the London, Exchange Square offers moments of rest and restoration for workers, residents, and passers-by to enjoy. Adriana is joined by Deborah Saunt, co-founder of architectural practice DSDHA, and their client David Lockyer, Head of Development at British Land. Together, they examine how the pub...

How do you reimagine a piece of architectural history and transform it for a new market? What does this journey look like when transforming one of London’s most iconic brutalist buildings? This special episode, recorded at The Department Store, home to leading architectural practice Squire & Partners, launches Bespoke's third series. Adriana is joined by Tim Gledstone, Partner at Squires, with...

What does art patronage look like today? Brooke Benington is a contemporary art gallery based in Fitzrovia. The exhibition programme has a strong emphasis on supporting the creative development of emerging artists and aims to inspire visitors to invest more deeply in their work, following them throughout their careers. In this episode, Adriana is welcomed by gallery co-director George Mingozzi-Mar...

What does commissioning a piece of music, something with no tangible form, look like? In this episode, Adriana is joined by leading composer Supriya Nagarajan to learn more about her creative process and the rich, dreamy soundscapes she creates… Together they explore Supriya's cross-cultural commissions in a wide variety of contexts, from ekphrastic responses to the sculptural work of  Barbar...

Intrigued by the power of language, Rosalind Wyatt is a British artist who loves words. Her practice combines text and textile, abstract mark making, large brush calligraphy, and her own specialised technique of ‘writing with a needle.’ This episode explores Rosalind's stitch commissions: from a handstitched handkerchief celebrating a wedding anniversary, to an Edwardian bodice for heritage brand...

Emma Wesley is an award-winning portrait painter. Her paintings are exhibited widely, and they feature in the permanent collections of The National Portrait Gallery, The Royal Society and Lord’s Cricket Ground, amongst many others. She has painted a diverse range of subjects from butchers to philosophers; as well as antique dealers, cricketers, soldiers, surgeons and even violinmakers… Join Emma i...

Place and art go hand in hand; often, art is used as a catalyst to create new places and add value to existing spaces. It invites and inspires an ecosystem of collaboration where commissioner and artist alike bring new perspectives and ideas to transform an area, adding layers of meaning and opening new paths for exploration. What can we do to engage more people to commission with confidence, and...

How can you take the leap from collecting an artist's work to shaping a be-spoke piece in conversation with a maker? This special episode for London Art Fair launches Be-Spoke's second programme. Adriana is joined by leading international gallerist Cynthia Corbett and Jane Adams, founder of luxury online interior studio AUTHOR. Together, they explore commissioning in a fine art context, looking at...

Artist and Jeweller Sarah Warsop describes drawing and painting as a bridge between dance, jewellery, movement and metal. She met her client Nicky Gray at a yoga session, where they discovered a mutual interest in jewellery and design. Using a fabulous aquamarine gem as a starting point, this episode explores how to shape a brief and provides insight into commissioning from the perspectives of the...

Adriana joins architect and designer Shiro Muchiri in her Marylebone gallery. In this episode, they discuss the human side behind bespoke objects and experiences, Shiro’s role as a broker and the rich process of connecting cultures through contemporary design. Adriana and Shiro also look at the wider impact of commissioning, including how to foster meaningful connections with younger audiences who...

Why would a successful architect, intent on building their dream home, commission someone else to design it? In this episode, Adriana joins founders of award-winning architecture practice Bureau de Change Katerina Dionysopoulou and Billy Mavropoulos, alongside one of their clients Hui Xu of Cura Haus, a leading property developer. Katerina and Billy outline the bespoke journey- the rich process of...

What does your favourite memory smell of? This episode delves into the world of bespoke perfume, combining word and scent to explore laughter, memory, imagination and fantasy. Host Adriana Paice Kent is joined by Sarah McCartney, founder of bespoke perfumery 4160 Tuesdays. Everything is made by hand at 4160 Tuesdays- from the initial idea all the way through to folding up the boxes and writing the...

This special episode for London Craft Week, recorded at Gallery SoShiro, is about the vital art of commissioning. Host Adriana Paice Kent is joined by Maria Cheung, Director, Interior Design, Squire & Partners; architectural glass artist Kate Maestri; and Shiro Muchiri, founder of Gallery SoShiro. In a fascinating conversation, Adriana and guests explore commissions that weave craft quality of...

Daisy Knatchbull is founder of The Deck, a made-to-measure tailoring house exclusively for women. The first in Be-Spoke's programme, this episode captures the creative and collaborative process between client and maker, tracing the beauty behind the making of a bespoke suit where classical elegance meets modern femininity. Adriana joins Daisy in her Savile Row Studio, alongside one of her clients...