Created by Nick and Sarah Allen of 'The Allen Studio' renown this unique console table is patinated with Kaplan (platinum/white gold leaf that has been rubbed back) and is topped with a lead crystal slab composed of a series of ribbed sections fused within a cast. 
 
Originally conceived in 2009 this piece was later exhibited at the Goldsmiths Centre in Central London and was sold for an undisclosed sum to a private buyer. Having spoken to Nick about the piece he reveals the inspiration behind the design and its value: 
 
"The inspiration for this piece was contorted steel - the sort of thing you see in a partially demolished building, and where it appears composed of shards of shrapnel. The base is patinated and leafed with Kaplan (platinum/white gold leaf rubbed back ), the top surface is cast lead crystal glass, made from a mould constructed from a series of layers stacked with the rugged underside echoing the contoured and contorted steel of the base support. As to value; I think if we were making this piece now it would be about 30K." (The email exchange with Nick can be supplied for verification on request).
 
It is a stunning sculptural piece and although Nick and Sarah didn't name the piece I have named it 'WAR TORN' because that is the essence of what I see in it - but naturally it will mean different things to different people. 
 
The contorted steel gives the impression of being ripped apart, revealing torn and scarred edges that twist upwards towards the light. The rubbed Kaplan coating gives the metal an ethereal sheen that is further enhanced by the pale amber glow that shines through the fused, cast Crystal glass top. It's a piece that at once appears both broken and yet complete with a delicate harmony that belies its contorted form.
 
First and foremost it is a sculpture, but it is also a practical piece that can be used as a console table. Whilst it looks great in daylight, in my opinion it's at it best in a subdued lighting setting lit by a single overhead spotlight (as shown in one of the photographs) - this gives the piece an iridescence that is generated by diffused light shining through the crystal glass making the Kaplan rubbed metal glow softly underneath. 
 
It appears to be in very good condition - naturally the metal and glass have fissures and marks throughout, but these look to be part of the original design, as mentioned by Nick in his explanation of the piece. It also benefits from having the artist's 'AS' (Allen Studio) impressed marks in both the top and base as shown in the photographs. 
 
Nick and Sarah Allen
From their West Sussex base Nick and Sarah continue their uniquely creative partnership. Their hands on craft based practice produces functional art objects which are in private and public collections.

Both have a broad skill base which leads them to commissions spanning from ceramic lighting, glass bowls and art glass panels to bronze and metal furniture and fittings through to interior architectural consultancy and brand identities. The Allen Studio is their live / work space which encompasses their creative workshops, collections and archives as well as exhibitions and special events.

     
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