The George

The George Tavern (373 Commercial Road) is a legendary east end boozer and a constant foundation for a thriving artistic community. Originally a 700 year old tavern mentioned in the writing of Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys and Geoffrey Chaucer, this reowned venue is a beacon for both emerging and established artists, musicians and creatives alike. This incredible building hosts a whole range of stunning rooms including the old school pub downstairs, a Georgian theatre, a country kitchen and an ultra-cool 70's disco room with a light up dance floor! Recent shoots have included the likes of  Kate Moss, Grandmaster Flash, Justin Timberlake, Adrien Brody, Grace Jones, Nick Cave as well as being one of the locations for Plan B's new film.

Just about escaping the pub, we made our way upstairs to shoot the new Black Collection for Casson. 


The building is owned and run by artist Pauline Forster who has created the most beautiful home above the pub. As you keep going up the wide wooden staircases you get the feeling that it may never end! There seems to be a different charming room at every turn and all full to the brim of amazing and wacky finds that Pauline has collected over the years.

On every surface possible there was something interesting that caught your eye whether it be the painfully twisted tennis rackets or Pauline and her family's displayed artwork. You get the feeling that there is an interesting story behind every object.

The Casson Vest
(www.cassonlondon.com).

We eventually found our way to the attic, our final location and suddenly felt like we had been transported into another world.  Almost every surface was worn and distressed. Throughout the whole house peeling wallpapers and  flaking paint on the walls had revealed yet another detailed layer to the building. The attic's warm rusty colours were accentuated by the contrasting flashes of bright blue on the dresser and distressed paintwork of the walls.

The George was an amazing location for the Casson shoot. Its a real hidden treasure in the heart of east London and we were thrilled with the final shots.

Thanks to...
Photographer- Henry Arden
Hair and Make up- Kimberley Edralin
Model- Nathalie Sorrell
Assistant- Lotte Martin
Accessories- Clovis Wilson-Copp

Casson Logo Inspiration

I often take inspiration from shapes in nature. I started looking at beetles and the way their bodies link together like armour. I'm a big fan of British jewellery designer Dominic Jones and the way he uses nature to design the most beautiful and luxurious pieces, like the rose gold plated stag beetle ring above.

 

I also looked at the shapes of bones and skeletons and then tried simplifying those right down to a minimal line drawing.

Some more pieces of jewellery from Dominic Jones and Elsa Peretti's Bone Cuff for Tiffany & Co, taking inspiration from the organic shapes of bones, claws and thorns.

On my search I came across this picture of these amazingly macabre designed cutlery.