Tucked within a quiet, leafy corner of suburban Paddington away from the hustle and bustle of the main street, Australian designer Henry Wilson of Studio Henry Wilson has opened up a new showroom where visitors can experience the studio’s designs firsthand.

Made with artisans in local Sydney and also abroad, Wilson has always been an active collaborator of craftspeople to create beautiful, functional objects. The new showroom presents his ethos and designs all in one.

Working on the existing interior design (by architect Madeleine Blanchfield which had been home to her meeting room and library for several years) with friend George Livissianis, the two reimagined Madeleine’s work, evolving the space into a frame for Wilson’s work. The showroom also celebrates the Victorian shopfront window that invites guests in from the lush green streets outside in the suburban area.

Small, yet versatile, the modular interiors by the studio present brass handles and objects behind sliding drawers all custom made by SHW. A stainless steel plinth pairs with warm white walls that highlight both metal and marble works elegantly. All the studio’s designs are available to purchase either on the spot, or by custom order with a 4-6 weeks production timeline.

Also curating some of his favourite brands into the space, beautiful cashmere throws from Japanese label Échapper, legendary Kaweco pens and personal care products from new English brand To My Ships can be found in the showroom. Curated issues from Apartamento magazine are also displayed.

We speak to designer Henry Wilson about his approach, his work with several local artisans and a new design he’s been working on.

CHAMP: Working with local artisans, can you tell us why this is important to you?

Henry Wilson: Working with local manufacturers and artisans is incredibly important to us because it fosters a dynamic and responsive creative process. We’ve found that the quality of feedback we receive is unparalleled when we work locally. It allows us to rapidly iterate on ideas, address any issues directly and personally, and maintain a high level of craftsmanship. The close proximity allows for immediate communication and a deep understanding of our vision, which translates into superior products.

Which local artisans do you proudly work with or champion?

We’re proud to collaborate with several exceptional local artisans. Specifically, we work closely with various local foundries, leveraging their expertise in metalwork. We also champion skilled local leather workers and woodworkers, each bringing their unique talents and traditional techniques to our projects. These partnerships are fundamental to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Why is experiencing your works in person at the store so important to share?

For a decade, we’ve primarily relied on online sales and a network of retailers, which has been incredibly successful in reaching our audience. However, I’ve always felt a strong pull towards the tangible experience of a brick-and-mortar store. I see it as a natural evolution, a way to connect with our customers on a deeper, more personal level. There’s only so much you can convey through digital images. Opening this store allows us to showcase the true depth and quality of our work, allowing customers to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and design. It’s about creating a space where they can truly understand what we do.

Globally, what inspires you? Were there any experiences or stores in particular that might have influenced your approach to your own store?

Travel is a significant source of inspiration for me, particularly explorations of early industrialized nations. I’m fascinated by the way people created utilitarian objects for everyday use. This intersection of functionality and design serves as a crucial reference point for my own work. I’m drawn to the raw, honest aesthetic of these pieces and how they reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of their creators. This ethos informs the design and curation of our store, emphasizing authenticity and the beauty of well-crafted, functional objects.

Are there any new products coming up in the store we should see?

Yes, we’re very excited to launch our new, large-scale champagne bucket. It’s a particularly robust and striking piece. This project marks my first foray into using AI-generated interpretations of my sketches to inform the sculptural narrative and shape of the final object.

While the process involved a significant amount of hands-on design work, the AI’s influence has resulted in an intriguing and unique form. We believe it’s a compelling example of how technology and traditional craftsmanship can converge to create something.

Henry Wilson Studio
87 Paddington Street, 
Paddington, Sydney, 2021

Images: As credited
Text: Editorial Director Monique Kawecki