As the founder and creative director of Artelier, David Knowles understands the desire among superyacht and private jet owners to outfit their interiors with striking works of art. Based in England, Artelier provides art-consultancy services for fine homes, private jets, and yachts. Knowles and his team curate special collections, for example. Equally noteworthy, they also find and select individual artists to create something truly unique.
Q: 2021 experienced an unprecedented demand for private travel, has Artelier experienced the same in comparison to your yachting, corporate and public commissions?
Yes, we have certainly found that the private superyachts and aircraft commission have remained fairly string during this time. Taking one year in isolation is hard to be sure, as many yacht projects are in development for up to 5 years. Some years, like last year, we worked on several, such as M/Y Zazou, M/Y Here Comes the Sun, M/Y Lusine, and M/Y Resilience. 2021 also saw us work on a private Boeing 787, our largest aircraft project to date. Despite the trend for working from home, we also worked on a large corporate project with Numis in St Paul’s London.
Q: There are, of course, some limitations on a jet when it comes to customisation, where do you start?
Yes, there are many limitations but also many opportunities. If the artwork is considered as a ‘loose’ item then it does not require the same certification. Therefore, many bulkhead artworks can be made from a variety of materials and treasured collector’s items can be displayed. When it comes to integrated artworks, such as feature walls, murals, and sculptures the materials need to have proper certifications.
When it comes to certification we often work with natural non toxic materials. For example, we work with many exceptionally talented artists who use silk embroidery and gold leaf. Silk is an ideal material as it is not very flammable and has a very low toxicity from its smoke, but is also very luxurious.
Q: Do you have any particularly challenging collaborations you can tell us about?
A Boeing 737 project from a few years ago is a good example of how the artistic vision for the project does not need to be held back by certification. The client wanted an extensive display of over 20 artworks, from small framed bulkhead pieces to large 2m integrated wall panels. The paintings were so large that they needed to curve with the fuselage. They were made on honeycomb aircraft panels and we developed a special paint mixture which passed all the burn test.
Q: Are there any trends in artworks onboard yachts and jets at the moment or are there any particular trends that you envisage for 2022?
Sustainable materials go without saying. This is a trend that we have been part of for many years and has been part of our ethos since our inception. We have always championed artists who work with ancient craft techniques and who use natural materials. This inherent and raw beauty of the natural world is an experience the yacht clients want to convey though their artwork choices.
In terms of other trends, we have also seen a significant shift away from the abstract and towards more figurative work. There seems to be a deeper desire for artwork to connect to a sense of humanity and culture. Finally, whilst muted tones and texture always has its place, we are experiencing a move away from the monochrome and a desire for a freshness and celebration of colour.
Q: Could you share with our readers how you select custom art commissions and aircraft certified art collections?
This is a very much a journey with the client and their team. The client may come to us with a provisional design and some pointers towards a style or concept. We then refer to our database of artists and carry out bespoke research to develop art pieces that are both artistically interesting as well as sound for an aircraft cabin.
It may be that the ideal artistic work is not certified, so we then go through the process of r&d to develop the piece to meet all requirements.
Q: Would you say aircraft artwork is purchased for its investment value or visual enjoyment or both?
We tend to work on projects where the artwork is envisaged as a key element of the interior design and experience. Mainly for aircraft the pieces are not considered as investment pieces, but this does not mean that they are not good investments. We don’t find that many client choose to place blue-chip investment pieces in aircraft as there are issues around the conservation, tax and insurance.
Q: Could you discuss some of your case studies, your favourites, the challenges, and any other learnings you have identified along the way?
A Boeing 737 project from a few years ago is a good example of how the artistic vision for the project does not need to be held back by certification. The client wanted an extensive display of over 20 artworks, from small framed bulkhead pieces to large 2m integrated wall panels. The paintings were so large that they needed to curve with the fuselage. They were made on honeycomb aircraft panels and we developed a special paint mixture which passed all the burn test.