'Riverside Suites'
Client: Westmont
Designer: Veronica Givione
Architect: AFK Studios
Alan Rankle Studio has collaborated with global architecture and interiors practice Arney Fender Katsalidis to deliver six bespoke VIP suites in the five-star Lowry Hotel in Manchester. The Riverside Suites each feature a painting by Alan Rankle, complemented by designer Veronica Givone’s custom made colour schemes of textiles, furnishings and décor based entirely on the artist’s works.
A feature of each suite is a unique 2.5 x 4 metre, upholstered velvet headboard, wrapped around the bed in the manner of a modernist take on a four-poster. The velvet headboards, printed by Rubelli in Milan with large scale details of each of Rankle’s installed paintings are reflected into two mirrored doors dividing the bedroom and lounge areas, allowing guests to view the artwork from either end of the interior.
Interviewed about the project, Veronica Givone, Associate Director at Arney Fender Katsalidis said: “We wanted to design a novel space that not only enhances the artwork but at the same time elevates the experience of staying in these glamorous suites. What makes these rooms so unique is the way the paintings, materials and colour schemes intertwine, allowing guests to really feel embraced by the art. We thoroughly enjoyed the collaboration on this project. Working with Alan Rankle, a prominent international artist with roots in Manchester, and with The Lowry, a high-end landmark hotel, allowed us to create six unique guest experiences.”