Reviving the Village Artisan Spirit in London’s Marylebone
Nestled between London’s Regent’s Park and the vibrant energy of Oxford Street, the quiet yet intriguing Marylebone Village is home to a unique artisinal heritage.
For the BoTree Hotel located within the Village, ArtLink curated a collection that pays homage to the neighborhood's rich cultural roots, celebrating the traditional village ethos of fostering local artisanship.
Image via Love That Design
The most profound human creations arise from the fusion of skill, tradition, and community.
This concept comes to life in ArtLink’s curated collection for The BoTree’s lobby, which showcases an array of works crafted by local London makers. Each piece represents a celebration of contemporary village artistry—created by masters of their craft who seamlessly blend traditional techniques with modern-day sensibilities and tastes.
Image via Instagram @the_botree
Introducing Modern Village Craft
To honour the hotel’s namesake, the Bodhi tree, ArtLink conceptualized a piece that would be a focal point for the lobby that would embody the hotel’s connection to its community and roots. ArtLink collaborating with North West London’s innovative Blast Studio to craft a bespoke tree sculpture integrating tangible "roots" as a direct reference to the hotel’s community values.
Blast Studio, an award-winning pioneer at the intersection of nature and technology, specializes in transforming urban waste into innovative art and architecture. For this project, they collected over 8,000 discarded coffee cups from across London, recycling them into the materials used to craft the sculpture.
This modern take on village craftsmanship underscores the evolution of artisanry in today’s world, where sustainability and cutting-edge technologies meet to redefine traditional ideals. This commission highlights how contemporary village artisans are embracing innovation to create works that are both meaningful and environmentally conscious, breathing new life into the enduring spirit of local craft.
Meet the Makers
Complementing the collection, ArtLink commissioned a series of contemporary portraits by local London photographer Alun Calendar, featuring the talented makers whose works are showcased throughout the hotel. These portraits offer a glimpse into the artists' personal sanctuaries, where their creative spirits thrive. Paired with photographs of their ateliers, the series captures the craftsmanship in action, creating a rich visual dialogue between the makers and their creations. This visual narrative furthers the hotel’s dedication to celebrating local art and talent, forging a captivating dialogue between the artists and their displayed works at the hotel’s entrance.
Transcending traditional boundaries, the gallery wall becomes more than a simple display—it evolves into a singular art installation and a seamless extension of the hotel’s curated collection. Together, these works tell a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and the vibrant artistry that defines Marylebone’s modern village spirit.
The BoTree Hotel’s art collection is a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, community, and innovation. Explore more about our unique collection for The BoTree Hotel and discover the artistry and stories behind each piece—a journey into the heart of contemporary village craftsmanship.