Tag Archives: Marek Reichman

COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

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COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS PARTNER TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

Sculpture exhibition open to public: 3 May to 30 September 2012

London: Cheltenham’s infamous Cowley Manor and Private Bank Coutts have partnered to create a unique and inspiring sculpture competition for post graduates from the Royal College of Art. Of the 27 submitted concepts, eight have been awarded funding to bring their designs to life. The sculptures will then go on to be displayed at Cowley Manor from 3rd May through to 30 September, with the winning sculpture taking up permanent residence in the 55 acre grounds of the manors grade II listed gardens.

With an alumni boasting Tracey Emin, James Dyson, Philip Treacy and Erdem as well as David Hockney and Aston Martin designer Marek Reichman, the world-famous Royal College of Art’s post graduates are tipped for success. The winner of the award is being announced at an event to launch the exhibition in the grounds of Cowley Manor on 2nd May.

The sculptures, based on the brief: ‘Cowley Manor and its rich history, grounds and reputed contemporary design’ in the exhibition include:

o Ben Fowlers – 8ft tall wire ‘Tornado’;
o Claire Poulter – Underwater Mirrored balls;
o Cradeaux Alexander – garden plaques with a twist;
o Emma Alonze – Carrot trousers cast in brass;
o Lauren Kelly – brightly coloured geometric sculptures;
o Lucy Tomlins – Concrete Country in Blue – 2.5 metre concrete stile;
o Wonwoo Lee – 3 metre steel sign interpretation titled ‘Hey’; and
o Zoe Paul – 2.4m wide Palace of Aegae sculpted rock.

The judging panel includes many art collectors, artists and entrepreneurs hand-selected by Cowley Manor and Coutts from across Gloucestershire. With many millions of people expected to descend on the UK over the summer for the Jubilee and Olympics, and many of these expected to visit the world-known beautiful British Cotswolds, the unique exhibition is the perfect day out or mini-break hotspot just 70 minutes out of London.

Christine Wadley, Client Partner for Coutts in Cheltenham commented: “Coutts has a long-standing history of championing the creative industries, and have looked after many clients from within the art and design world for many decades. Today we recognise and support British design excellent in order to aid growth and foster future British talent. This partnership with Cowley and the RCA is further evidence of that.”

Peter Frankopan, owner and founder of ‘A Curious Group of Hotels’ including Cowley Manor commented: “In its 10th year, Cowley Manor has long been in support of emerging British talent with many original works of art, textiles and bespoke furniture created by British artists, artisans and craftsman displayed throughout the manor and its 30 bedrooms. By partnering with Coutts, the future support and awareness of young artists trained at the Royal College of Art has been made possible.”

Steve Bunn, RCA Sculpture Tutor said: “Having the opportunity to work with Coutts and Cowley Manor on this exhibition has been a fantastic experience for our students. Site specific art like this is a great way to showcase the work of some very talented young artists.”

Hotel residents, restaurant guests and picnic-goers will be able to enjoy the exhibition at Cowley Manor, Cowley, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL. Many of the pieces will be available for private sale with the proceeds going towards the young artists.

The exhibition, featuring all of the post graduate first and second year student submissions, will open on

Thursday 3 May and run through to 30 September.

#couttscowley

Aston Martin launches in India

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Aston Martin has officially opened the doors to its first dealership in India today, bringing the British marquee’s luxury sports cars to the city of Mumbai.

This important move in the luxury manufacturer’s expansion plans further strengthens the company’s representation in this growing region, bringing the Aston Martin brand to India for the first time.

Aston Martin will commence its presence in India with a new dedicated facility in Mumbai in partnership with Performance Cars (a division of Infinity Cars Pvt. Ltd.), who have enjoyed a strong reputation in the Indian luxury car market for several years.

Aston Martin’s Chief Commercial Officer, Michael van der Sande said, “India represents a new opportunity for us and as part of our programme of growing the reach of the global Aston Martin dealership network this expansion brings our brand to a different audience in a new market.

“Our decision to bring the Aston Martin brand to India is driven by a strong level of interest and enthusiasm from potential customers in an emerging luxury market. We have taken our time to find the right advocates for Aston Martin and I am confident that we have selected strong partners with whom we look forward to starting a successful relationship.”

On his part Performance Cars, Managing Director, Mr. Lalit Choudary said, “Partnering Aston Martin offers us an unique opportunity to bring one of the world’s iconic brands to one of the world’s most discerning and fast growing markets. We are confident about the brand’s success in India given the range of models, the comfortable ride quality the cars offer on our roads and the exclusivity they accord.”

The Aston Martin dealership in Mumbai is located at Kemp’s Corner at the junction of the ultra-premium Peddar and Altamount Roads and will offer customers a premium boutique environment wherein they can custom specify the cars to their exacting needs. The after-sales facility in nearby Worli is a first of its kind dedicated, air conditioned workshop in the high luxury segment. The showroom and after-sales facilities have been specially designed to follow the international design elements that have timelessly identified the elegance of the Aston Martin brand worldwide.

Aston Martin customers and enthusiasts will be able to view and test-drive selected models from the entire range of V8 Vantage Coupe, V8 Vantage Roadster, V12 Vantage, DB9 Coupe, DB9 Volante, DBS Coupe, DBS Volante and the four-door sports car; Rapide. These models will also be joined by the recently launched V8 Vantage S and the new Virage.

The opening of the Aston Martin Mumbai showroom strengthens the company’s global dealership network to a total of 134 dealers in 42 countries. As part of the company’s ongoing expansion plans Aston Martin has recently entered into Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey whilst seeking continued growth in new markets as well as emerging markets including China and the Middle East.