A WORLD-famous chandelier designer will tomorrow night (Thu) unveil his most ambitious creation to date at the Capital’s newest bar.
Hyde Out, in Edinburgh’s Quay area, officially opens with an invite-only launch and some of the glitter will be provided by a magnificent chandelier made up of 600 unique crystal glasses.
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Creator John Harrington has previously created chandeliers for clients such as the Ritz in Miami. His design for Hyde Out is the first of its kind in Scotland.
Mr Harrington said: “This is the biggest chandelier I have built so far, making it a first both in size and location.
“There are no two chandeliers designed by me anywhere in the world that are the same as I source a mixture of glasses varying in size, shape and cut.”
The chandelier is so big and so intricate, it took five days to construct and hang as the foyer centre piece.
Hyde Out’s design also features a new Timorous Beasties Edinburgh Toile vinyl wall covering and artwork designed by Edinburgh based graphic designers, 16K Design Works.
Brighton-based Mr Harrington added: “The chandelier will fit in perfectly with the rest of the bar’s design and will make a very striking show piece.”
The 35-year-old – who has owned a successful jewellery business for the past 10 years – worked with his father in his antiques and restoration of furniture business which prompted his desire to design and create items on his own.
He said: “My inspiration comes from growing up through many design eras and combining the styles.
“I like to think my work is contemporary in design but traditional in creation.
“I tend to use crystal glasses as this combines the traditional background with contemporary development – it shows the skill and craftsman ship of times gone by.
“It’s the perfect solution and the glasses reflect the light beautifully.”
The designer has spent hundreds of hours sourcing traditional crystal and cut-glass drinking glasses, shopping online and trawling through charity and antique shops.
His first chandelier – made from 150 glasses – was the start of a global phenomenon.
Mr Harrington was also commissioned to make two chandeliers for The Ritz Hotel in Miami as part of its £30 million spa renovation.
He said: “It was an honour that they had chosen me but the experience was amazing.
“It took me about two weeks to create the two chandeliers which were made up of 300 glasses each.
“The thing I love the most about creating is going out on site and meeting clients and overseeing projects.
“It’s the most exciting part and I hope my chandeliers will give me the opportunity to get involved in more interior design work.”
Rory McWhirter, Hyde Out director, said: “I was very impressed with John’s work and I knew one of his chandeliers would look spectacular in Hyde Out.
“It really will make the bar unique as it’s not only John’s first chandelier of this size but the only one in Scotland.”
REPORT: Christine Lavelle
