Art lovers will already have heard of M.A.H. What started life as an art-hire firm and gallery space founded by interiors stylist Laura Fulmine has since expanded to include an exclusive edit of carefully selected contemporary art for Soho House. This latest venture, though, is arguably Fulmine’s most ambitious yet. The House is, she tells us, ‘an all-encompassing vision’. Somewhere for her to explore working with designers and makers, as well as the extensive roster (110 and growing) of artists she currently represents.
Located on Vyner Street in east London, The House opened this week as part of LDF with an exclusive launch party in collaboration with ELLE Decoration and refreshment sponsors Carbo Wines and X Muse Vodka – see highlights photographed by from the event in our gallery below!
What has begun initially as a living and dining room is set to be transformed every six months into a brand-new space. ‘In the future, it might become a library, where people can come in, sit and read books,’ says Fulmine. ‘It is a revolving, evolving room.’ The complete edit of furniture, art and more will also be available to purchase on The House’s dedicated website.
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Unusually for the founder, who generally begins with artworks when creating an interior, for The House it was the architectural features, the shell of the space, that served as her starting point. After all, it’s the one thing that won’t be changing.
First, she approached linoleum flooring expert Sinclair Till, convincing the brand to create a completely bespoke floor inspired by the striking marble entryways found in Milan. Then came a collaboration with furniture firm Sedilia – exclusive versions of its ‘Roll Top’ sofa and chair, upholstered in unique colourways of Pierre Frey fabrics – and a dining table by Fred Rigby. The latter also created a made-to-order fireplace, an organic, sculptural piece that will be another permanent fixture here.
Although The House afforded Fulmine the opportunity to explore collaborations outside of the art world, artists are still very much central to her thought process. ‘I realised I could push them into an interiors world that they would probably not have ventured into themselves,’ she says.
This is not a cold, white gallery space but a real, layered room, making it easier for people to imagine works residing in their own homes. And it’s not just an outlet for creatives already available through M.A.H Gallery. Fulmine has approached artists who are lesser-known in the UK, starting with French painter Hermentaire, whose Mellow Big Djambo canvas hangs in the living room.
Asked about plans for the future, she is excited but also a little cautious. ‘I would love to do talks and a supper club, but everything here is very precious. It’s pretty much all one-offs. Spill red wine on the sofa and that’s it,’ she quips with a wry laugh. For now, though, The House will be openMonday to Friday every week – a must-visit for anyone seeking inspiration or that one special future heirloom. thehousebymah.com
