Noticeboards for the Athenaeum Club, London

Sometimes a ‘statement’ is not what is required. A recent commission for three new noticeboards for The Athenaeum, private members club in Pall Mall London, was all about honouring the Grade 1 listed neo-classical interior (built in 1830) and the two remarkable scientists who bequeathed a legacy to the club.

The boards were arched with an elegantly moulded profile to compliment the neo-classical sculpture niches. English elm was chosen for warmth, and the soft grey pin-board chosen to compliment the original marble walls.

Angus also wanted the boards to subtly commemorate the fascinating couple who gifted the legacy. Hydrologist, engineer and academic Peter Wolf was considered the “father of hydrology” but Angus particularly connected to the story of him ski-ing over the alps to leave Austria during the 2nd World War before beginning his life in Britain. He skied all his life (into his late eighties) and the subtle carved lines decorating the wooden edges of the boards can be read as ski-tracks. Janet Wolf was an optical scientist and very early woman member of the club. She had strong views on colour and interior design and loved her home in North London and off-grid cottage in Norfolk. It was felt that Janet in particular, would like the legacy to be used to commission new noticeboards for the club rather than the more usual silver-ware.

The titles are laser engraved and finished by hand. We are not slaves to tradition, and use the latest cutting techniques if these are quicker and effective. We sourced the lighting from TM Lighting.

“We are really thrilled with the noticeboards and I am, personally, so very delighted that we have your works of art in the Athenaeum, which will adorn our beautiful Clubhouse for the future.” JN 2022.