The creation of the “Gentleman’s Club” masterpiece from the “Life Through X-ray” collection embodies the meticulous art that defines PROLOGUE’s DNA, showcasing handcrafting and the use of exquisite materials. This journey spanned over two years.
The Gentlemen’s Club
The Scenes
The Central Bar
The barware, including bottles and glasses, was intricately designed and handcrafted from materials like sterling silver, aquamarine, quartz, and crystal. The bar featured exotic wood paneling and countertop, with extra glasses and bottles stored under the bar.
The Poker Game
The poker table has an aventurine crystal top, while the table and chairs are sterling silver plated to look like wood. Each card and chip is intricately handmade and engraved, requiring considerable time and effort.
The Grand Piano
The grand piano project involved assembling 88 keys and strings, handcrafted from sterling silver with black rhodium coating. The stool was made from sterling silver, bronze, and 18K gold plating.
The Beginning
Concept and Design
The vision for the “Gentleman’s Club” began with a desire to encapsulate the essence of a private club’s life. The design process involved sketching and conceptualizing each element to ensure that the final piece would tell a compelling story through its intricate details.
Hand Sculpting
Each element, from the wingback chairs to the 88-key grand piano, was sculpted by hand using wax, clay, or resin. This allowed for precise detailing, especially for the skeletons, which were crafted bone by bone to create a lifelike representation.
Sourcing Exotic Materials
The piece’s authenticity relied on the selection of materials like exotic woods for the base and cabinet, semi-precious gemstones for tables, red and white quartz for billiard balls, and mother of pearl for decorative elements.
Metalwork and Goldsmithing
The metal models were handcrafted from sterling silver and bronze. Understanding the physical properties of these materials was essential to create durable and aesthetically pleasing pieces. Each metal piece was soldered, polished, and plated in precious metals typically reserved for fine jewellery.
The Expertise
Lapidary Work
The rough gemstones were transformed into marquetry and bottles through hand carving and lapidary work. This required knowledge of each stone’s properties to ensure that the most beautiful patterns were highlighted in the finished product.
Woodworking and Lacquer
The woodworking was custom and handmade. The chosen wood underwent a lengthy lacquering process, taking 45-60 days to achieve a high-end piano lacquer finish. Each layer had to be evenly applied, sanded, and polished to transparency.
Assembly and Quality Control
The assembly was a critical stage, demanding a keen eye for detail to avoid any mistakes. A rigorous quality control process was in place, and the final inspection and approval were conducted by Pedro de Aranda, ensuring that the masterpiece met the highest standards of excellence.
Discover the X-ray collection
Find out more about the "Life Behind X-Ray” collection by PROLOGUE. The collection blends dark humour with whimsy, using skeletons as symbols of our shared humanity. Explore how this theme extends to various hobbies, sports, cultures, and lifestyles.
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