Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVII

Ruediger Benedikt Home Design’s fantastical creations, inspired by nature, are one-of-a-kind. Crafted in 24k gold-plated bronze, the serving dishes feature falcons, sturgeon and horses (to name but a few beautifully rendered creatures) leaping up to hold the bowl of delicate roe aloft for all to share. All of the limited-edition pieces are worked by hand using lost-wax casting, a centuries-old technique in which a metal sculpture is cast by pouring molten gold, silver, brass or bronze into a mould made of wax and plaster. You may have heard the expression that someone has broken the mould? It derives from this process, as the mould is then destroyed, thus ensuring each piece is unique. From the initial sketches drawn up by Benedikt to the final product, it can take as long as three months to complete one piece. In Barcelona, a team of 15 goldsmiths, jewellers and bronze-casters collaborate to create the wax moulds, cast the bronze and polish it, then do the gold-plating before the final polish, thus bringing Benedikt’s vision to life. Despite his prodigious talent, Benedikt is a modest and reserved gentleman who does not seek the limelight as such. Instead, he prefers to communicate directly with his commissioning clients, getting to know them and understand their tastes and requirements. His customer-orientated approach ensures that he remains open to inspiration, rather than becoming overly focused on one particular style. This enthusiasm for creative collaboration has led to doing private commission work for families in the Gulf Region, bringing Benedikt’s unique, artistic sense of luxury to the area. And, later in 2015, a members-only caviar club is set to open in Dubai, for which Benedikt was commissioned to design every element. His inspiration is 18th century French Rococo, the ornate and opulent period that produced the Palace of Versailles. Think grand salons, 24k gold leaf embellishments, Limoges china, and Versace pillows, and you’ll get the idea. It’s sure to be the ultimate combination of luxury: incredible surroundings and the world’s finest caviar. If you’re interested in learning more about Ruediger Benedikt Home Designs commissions, visit the website of distributor Bruce Petricca at www.bpdesigns.org. 3 0 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I