New Store Discovery: Porcupine Rocks

Well knock me down with a feather and shiver me timbers. Yes, you have come to the right blog, but I appear to have had a temporary change of personality. I have completely fallen for this sofa.

I have taken my temperature and I’m not aware of having had a blow to the head (although it’s possible I wouldn’t remember if I had) there is just something about this that I love.

Now, let’s keep things on track here. I am picturing it in my soon to be constructed all white loft with black lamps and sitting in a completely monochrome room. It would also look great in my charcoal sitting room, if pretty much everything else was either just wood or black and white too. Which it isn’t so it wouldn’t.

The point I’m making is that I haven’t gone completely mad, but that I could totally make room for a piece like this in a very disciplined way. There will be other, more colourful, people who would stick itin a room with turquoise and pink walls and masses of plants and jolly rugs. To which I say; thank God it’s a sofa because I would definitely need a lie down in a space like that. Not that I wouldn’t admire it (and the courage of its owner) but that would be too much for me.

Now if only it was a sofa bed…. Still enough of that, you’ll be wanting to know the details and all that won’t you?

Well, it’s from a new store called Porcupine Rocks, which belongs to South African born Paula Goodburn. She features innovative artisans who make beautiful, imaginative, interior creations. Each artist marries traditional techniques with contemporary design and all the creations have their own individual stories, making them unique or part of a limited edition.

“Porcupine Rocks represents my love for Africa and modern design,” says Paula.  “Provenance and narrative are key elements to my discoveries. Craft is an ancient tradition in Africa and I find it inspiring to work with gifted craftsmen who practice traditional techniques passed down through generations.

“It is the interpretation of the contemporary but using traditional techniques that is the underlying soul of Porcupine Rocks”.

Every piece has a story to tell; from the 17^th Century designs of Dutch explorers and their traditional crafts passed down through generations, to sustainable handpicked wood which is turned when wet and left to dry for five years and projects to help impoverished communities and young designers.

There is also an exclusive fabric collection designed by South Africa’s leading textile artists and a range of bespoke lighting and furniture including this limited edition, Qalakabusha. Only 40 were made and there are only eight left. Each one is individually numbered and they cost £5,650. There are two in the croc bowling alley of the Ham Yard Hotel as you can see below. It’s the material on the back that I particularly love. Which means it should be in a room where it doesn’t have to be pushed up against a wall.

Have a browse round – it’s the weekend, you’ve got time for another cup of coffee…possibly even a second slice of toast.