Anthropologie has debuted Into the Lighthouse, an installation of fantastical Australian design by interior designer, stylist and author Sibella Court. Her recreation of an imagined lighthouse keeper’s quarters in the early 1900s serves as the backdrop for a diverse display of Australian artwork. The context reflects the culture from which the work was born and in which Keith Johnson, buyer-at-large for Anthropologie and host of the Sundance Channel’s original series Man Shops Globe, first discovered it.
The installation came about through the long-time friendship of Sibella and Keith, and is the culmination of an adventure the pair had in Australia earlier this year. Sibella ushered Keith into the little seen world of Australia’s artist and designer community, introducing him to many of the artists featured in the installation. Its name and theme were also derived from personal time spent together; the two had lunch at the Boathouse Restaurant at the base of Barrenjoey Lighthouse, which overlooks Palm Beach in Northern Sydney.
Works featured in the installation are reminiscent of the look and feel of the lighthouse and its environment in the early 1900s when the structure was built. Each artist was commissioned to create pieces to contribute to the realization of Sibella’s vision. Anna-Wili Highfield handcrafted paper sculpture seafaring birds, while Noelle Rigaudie rendered home accessories and furniture, including a potbelly stove, from cardboard. Potter Samantha Robinson researched wallpaper patterns popular at that time, which she then replicated on rice paper stencils to make textured porcelain vessels. On the lighthouse keeper’s bed is a beautiful quilt by Tara Badcock, whose skill is embroidering and stitching stories and history into her pieces. A bird cushion by Tara serves as another reference to Australia’s lush wildlife.
The Australia episode of Man Shops Globe shot with Sibella Court earlier this year will air on the Sundance Channel during the series’ second season, which begins June 30th. Sibella Court’s book Etcetera etc. is currently available in Anthropologie stores and online. More information on Sibella is available through The Society Inc, a shop she owns in Sydney. Into the Lighthouse will be on view from April 1st – May 21st at Anthropologie, 50 Rockefeller Plaza. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
