NIGHTCAP

Can we sleep?

Nightcap, 2006
Ash, onyx, ostrich and cashmere
Unique work
H103 x W280 x D280cm
© Mark Humphrey

COLLECTOR
Private collector

COLLABORATORS
BBC
TV Production Company
Quintessentially Concierge

LOCATION
Mayfair, London, UK

“NIGHTCAP BRINGS TOGETHER A BED AND COCKTAIL BAR IN A SINGLE PIECE OF FURNITURE. HAND-CRAFTED FROM LUXURIOUS MATERIALS INCLUDING BURR ASH, ONYX, OSTRICH AND CASHMERE, THE WORK CREATES AN ENVIRONMENT DESIGNED FOR REST AND COMFORT. ITS ENVELOPING, WOMB-LIKE FORM SUGGESTS THE BED AS A PLACE OF RETREAT AND SAFETY FROM THE PRESSURES OF EVERYDAY LIFE.

BUILT INTO THE HEADBOARD IS A FULLY EQUIPPED BAR, PLACING ALCOHOL DIRECTLY ALONGSIDE THE RITUAL OF GOING TO BED. HERE, THE NIGHTCAP BECOMES MORE THAN A DRINK – IT BECOMES PART OF A POTENTIALLY ADDICTIVE ROUTINE, NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.

THE WORK EXPLORES OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH SLEEP, STRESS AND ALCOHOL. WE ALL NEED TO REST, TO RECOVER AND TO RESTORE OURSELVES, YET FOR SOME, THE PRESSURE OF DAILY LIFE CREATES A DEPENDENCE ON ALCOHOL THAT THEY FEEL UNABLE TO LIVE WITHOUT.

THE LUXURIOUS MATERIALS AND SEDUCTIVE COMFORT OF THE BED CONTRAST WITH THE PRESENCE OF THE BAR. SOMETHING CREATED TO SUPPORT HEALTH, WELLBEING AND REST IS PLACED ALONGSIDE SOMETHING THAT CAN BECOME A SOURCE OF DEPENDENCY AND ILL HEALTH, RAISING THE QUESTION OF WHERE RELAXATION ENDS AND ADDICTION BEGINS.”

Mark Humphrey

“HUMPHREY DELIVERED THE ULTIMATE BED.”

Financial Times

“A FREE-STANDING SLEEPING ART PIECE.”

Design Week
Design and architectural journal