British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE has brought his distinctive, bold style to Sotheby’s New Bond Street café, creating an immersive experience titled “Pride is Within My Story.” The transformation, which opens to the public today and runs until October 31, features floor-to-ceiling adire motifs, bespoke furniture, and upholstery, celebrating London’s diverse and inclusive artistic community.
Central to Ilori’s redesign is a large-scale trophy titled “Places That Build Their Dreams.” This piece, a labor of love for the artist, reflects his personal history and pays homage to immigrant families in the UK, especially those from North and East London, where Ilori grew up. The trophy stands over a meter tall and includes a photograph of Ilori’s childhood home in Islington, crowned by an intricately designed dove symbolizing peace.
Ilori’s design draws inspiration from traditional British ceramics, which were once symbols of wealth and achievement for immigrant families. He questions whether these ornaments accurately reflect the stories of immigrants and aims to capture their true impact on British culture through his new creation. The blue and white color scheme of the project also pays tribute to the indigo-dyed Adire fabrics of Yoruba women from South West Nigeria, symbolizing themes such as life’s cycles and hopes.
In collaboration with 1882 Ltd., a renowned British ceramics manufacturer, Ilori’s project brings together heritage craft and contemporary design. Emily Johnson, Creative Director and Co-Founder of 1882 Ltd., expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of blending design with heritage.
The reimagined Sotheby’s Story Café will be open to the public through October 31, with the trophy available for exclusive purchase through Sotheby’s during this period. In celebration, Sotheby’s is also offering limited-edition tote bags for sale at their London location.
Yinka Ilori’s work is known for its vibrant visual language and commitment to making art and design accessible. His projects often explore themes from Nigerian culture and aim to foster community engagement and optimism through contemporary design.
