Our first collaboration with Cubitts on Monmouth Street is approached as both a historical reading and a study in atmosphere—drawing from the layered character of Seven Dials and its quieter narratives of craft, trade and time.
The design centres around the idea of light and shadow. Taking reference from the Seven Dials sundial, the geometry of the gnomon becomes a guiding device—informing shelving brackets, display structures and the way light is cast through the space. There is a constant interplay between illumination and depth, with reflective surfaces set against darker, more matte materials to create contrast and rhythm.
Materiality is rich but controlled. Spanish mahogany panelling wraps the interior, grounding the space, while glass shelving—clear and subtly tinted—appears to float, held by brass detailing. Reclaimed timber flooring and velvet-lined display elements introduce a softer tactility, balancing precision with warmth.
The layout is intimate and layered. A sequence of moments unfolds from the street through to a rear courtyard, with integrated seating, inset mirrors and a concealed repair area allowing the space to function quietly and efficiently.
Throughout, there is a sense of time held within the space—expressed not only through reference, but through material, shadow and reflection. The result is something measured and atmospheric, rooted in its setting while remaining deliberately restrained.
Photography by Felix Speller