Inspiring women: Marianna Kennedy

Years ago, I blogged about an artist's studio and home without any idea who the artist was. I had come across the images on the portfolio of Annie Schlechter and the space captured my imagination. As did the glimpses of the creations within.


I learned about Marianna Kennedy's creations through Ben Pentreath. His homes and shop feature her lamps and I've long admired the burst of colour they bring. Mr Pentreath has a genius touch and pulls of combinations of eras and juxtapositions of formality and fun in a manner that astounds and inspires me directly.


And it was only through examining what he does that I came full circle and found the source of my original admiration. Even lovelier, I also came to learn that Marianna Kennedy is, in fact, a Canadian who attended art school in Ireland before settling in Spitalfields, London. And, of course, those shared connections deepened my own interest and admiration for her pieces.


I love and covet her lamps - indeed one is on my ultimate wishlist. But, I really love her mirrors. I wrote a blog  post about mirrors and imperfect reflections here. And when people come over to my place it becomes apparent fast that I am fascinated with anything that bends, reflects, refracts, distorts, occludes light. Her mirrors do all that. For me, they're like a fairytale and a history lesson entwined and are true works of art.

More links: A visit with Marianna Kennedy on Remodelista
World of Interiors article about Marianna Kennedy by Jeanette Winterson and here.
Official site here.

Image credits: Portrait of Marianna Kennedy by Lucinda Douglas Menzies, via Spitalfields Life | Mirror from Galerie Chastel-Marechal | Set of four images of her workshop by Annie Schlechter | Interior by Marianna Kennedy