Soho Fine Art viewing room

March 2026

Fabric used: Rita does Jazz velvet

Interior Design: Lanassir Gunton at Swank Interiors

Venue: Soho Fine Art, Norwich

Swank Interiors were invited to design the viewing room at Soho Fine Art in Norwich with the aim of illustrating that artwork can look fabulous against different backdrops and in eclectic interiors.

Lanassir chose our 'Rita does Jazz' velvet to upholster the 1980's influenced seating .

When invited to collaborate with Soho fine art to decorate their viewing room as with

any space that I design felt it should be more than just a ‘nice space with furniture’…

Here’s an insight into how the design inspiration came together…

As soon as I saw the space flanked either side by chrome framed smoked glass panels

and a high ceiling with Industrial style lights I was instantly taken back to my childhood

and growing up in the 1980’s. The space has become an Art installation itself, reflecting

my personal style and career that has been very much influenced by eighties culture.

One of the key objectives with the installation was to demonstrate that you don’t need

to match your Artwork to your Interior or indeed your Interior to your Artwork, It. Is about

surrounding yourself with what you love. Personally, I enjoy layering Art against different

colours and textures and have applied two very different wallcoverings in the space –

One wall is covered in a dark, moody wood style that gives a very industrial feel while

the other emulates a vivid Aqua glossy lacquer, it’s interesting to see how different

pieces look against these backdrops. 

The fabric is from one of my wonderful independent suppliers, The

Monkey Puzzle Tree and is called ‘Rita does jazz’ designed by artist Sarah Thornton and

itself has its narrative inspired by Sarah’s late mother with a riotous depiction of

freedom, colour and self- expression, a lady who loved nothing better than a night out at

legendary London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s.