An invite to the launch of Royal Selangor’s flagship store in the newly-opened Battersea Power Station was an invite I was not going to turn down. We have all been watching the building being transformed over many, many years and now it was time to go inside, writes Michael Holland.
Most of us have seen how the Bankside Power Station metamorphosed into the rather beautiful Tate Modern, well, this redevelopment has gone over and beyond that. I was immediately struck by its beauty as I stepped through the entrance.
Top name stores lines each side to form an avenue for visitors to see and be seen. One of the four chimney has been modified into a lift shaft with a viewing platform at the top; luxury apartments have been built on the roof. It is the capital’s new destination venue.
Royal Selangor, established in 1885 with its HQ in Malaysia, is the world’s biggest manufacturer of pewter and has won many awards for its designs for well over a century. Its new store pays homage to Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s Art Deco masterpiece on the bank of the River Thames and includes some of the original brick walls and a selection of the meters and machinery from when the coal-fired structure was pumping out power to Londoners.
To commemorate this grand opening, guests were invited to a drinks reception where they could experience the pewter-laden interior design and view the store’s 1,132 sq ft retail space, as well as see the collection of traditional and new designs, and collectible pieces such as characters from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, plus DC and Marvel Super Heroes.
As part of the launch the company’s artisans have designed a Battersea Capsule Collection that takes its inspiration from the power station itself, using the Grade II* Listed building’s architectural details, especially the iconic chimneys that have been depicted as candle holders and photo frames. The collection also boasts hip flasks, cufflinks, and other enticing designs that are perfect for Christmas gifts.
Managing Director Yong Loon Li gave a welcoming speech and answered questions from the media before inviting us to partake in the exquisite Malaysian-inspired cocktails and canapés.
I couldn’t resist taking home a pewter pen holder from the new Capsule Collection.
30, Ground Floor, The Power Station, Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall, Circus Road South, London SW11, 8BU
Check out the website: https://uk.royalselangor.com/