Interiors should not be the product of ephemeral style trends, but of a client’s own personality and preference. Studio Clementine takes a collaborative approach, both between client and studio, and in terms of the many specialist skills and suppliers our designers bring to a project. We pride ourselves on listening to what people want and then surpassing expectations both creatively and in delivering a seamless, personal service.
CRAFTING MAGIC
A Conversation with Emma and Tobias
by Georgina Wood
Georgina Wood spoke with Emma and Tobias Peascod to talk about their unique and respective crafts and the Peascod studio.
I had the good fortune of working with Tobias and Emma in the past and I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to collaborate with them.
Individually, their work has a rare intricacy, instinctive in its execution, as though each piece has always belonged exactly where it sits, yet unmistakably original. Both Emma’s work with Verre Eglomise and Tobias’ work with Bas Relief draw inspiration from the natural landscape surrounding their Somerset studio. There is an elegant confidence to what they each create that is layered in this reflection and yet is impossible to replicate.
Together, as Peascod, they are a powerhouse of artistry. Their practice carries the hallmarks of old-world craftsmanship, considered, deeply skilled, rooted in tradition, yet every piece feels entirely their own, contemporary, personal, and alive. They work at the intersection of storytelling and art, and the result is something that transcends decoration entirely.
Craftspeople of Tobias and Emma's calibre are increasingly rare. The ability to create something truly bespoke, something made with this level of intention and skill, is a gift to any project, and one I never take for granted.
HOW DID PEASCOD BEGIN? WAS IT A SHARED VISION FROM THE START, OR DID IT GROW ORGANICALLY FROM YOUR INDIVIDUAL PRACTICES?
The formation of Peascod as it is now has been an organic progression. Initially we ran separate businesses; Emma focusing on verre églomisé and Tobias managing a commercial sculpting company, while sharing a studio within our live-work warehouse in Stoke Newington. This setup meant we were always on hand to assist one another on projects. Gradually, we both learned skills from each other, which led to the two companies merging into a single entity. Although we still take the lead on different projects based on our individual specialisms, our aesthetic vision has always been, and remains, a strong, shared one.
HOW DID YOU EACH GET STARTED WITH YOUR CRAFT?
T: Like many makers, I’ve always been driven to create. My professional career truly began after art school when I worked as a technical assistant, commissioned by well-known artists to actively produce their work. This was a valuable 'apprenticeship' that allowed me to develop a wide and eclectic set of skills.
E: After a few years in graphic design, I found I missed working with physical materials. A friend connected me with specialist decorating firms. I started working on renovation projects for historic houses, focusing on gilding with gold and silver leaf, and fell in love with verre églomisé in particular.
WHAT DREW EACH OF YOU TO SUCH HISTORICALLY ROOTED TECHNIQUES? VERRE EGLOMISE AND BAS-RELIEF BOTH CARRY A REAL SENSE OF LINEAGE.
There is definitely something compelling about learning, and hopefully mastering, the fundamentals in order to push boundaries and make something truly new and exciting. It’s endlessly interesting, and there’s so much to learn. Part of the joy of learning something in depth is having the knowledge to disrupt normal processes and techniques.
WHAT DOES THE MAKING PROCESS LOOK LIKE IN THE STUDIO?
Our studio is part laboratory-style research area, and part production facility, where projects are finalised. Production is a detailed, multi-stage process involving many techniques which can be very time-consuming, so you’ll see lots of pieces at various stages of completion. One piece may be being modelled, another tinted or gilded, whilst another may be drying or curing. But also, you’ll find areas where we are experimenting - often to follow an idea about a technique, material, or composition. This part is vital for keeping ideas fresh. We have a visual resource library of books and found objects; finds from nature as well as manufacturing prototypes and material tests.
IS THERE A PROJECT THAT EACH OF YOU IS MOST PROUD OF?
E: I recently had the pleasure of completing a residential project for a couple with a home on Lake Como. To inform the design, I visited the area to observe the landscape, the house's position, and the specific location for the artwork. During my stay, I was struck by the majestic Cedar of Lebanon trees and proposed a silver verre églomisé piece based on this wonderful form.
It remains a source of immense honour to us that we have had the opportunity to collaborate with several iconic institutions of British design such as Claridge's and Alexander McQueen.
WHAT ARE YOU DRAWN TO RIGHT NOW, IN TERMS OF MATERIALS, MOOD OR INSPIRATION?
Our recent move to Somerset has certainly influenced us with its ever changing weather patterns, newly discovered rock formations and local wildlife. We are currently developing pieces that reflect this, hinting at the dynamic movement of running water and the surfaces of the earth.
IS THERE A TECHNIQUE OR MATERIAL YOU HAVEN'T WORKED WITH THAT YOU'D LOVE TO EXPLORE?
We are exploring how we can create large-scale, floor-to-ceiling paper installations. Emma's previous experience learning washi paper making in Gifu, Japan, has been valuable as we embark on this new idea. We’re currently testing embossing, dyeing and forming techniques to create pieces that capture the tactility that we love.
Thank you for your time Emma and Tobias and for allowing us insight into your creative world and craft. We look forward to working with you soon.
Georgina xx