Putman adds polish to leather showroom

Designer Andr&#233e Putman has created the first retail interiors for Connolly, the exclusive English leather company. The shop is showcasing a luggage range designed by Ross Lovegrove.

The Belgravia Stables behind London’s Hyde Park is the 117-year-old company’s flagship showroom, designed to “create a strong, modern retail image for the shop while working within the confines of a listed building”, says a Connolly spokesman.

Connolly’s leather has long been used in prestigious furniture – for example, in Edward VII’s coronation coach and in 14 parliaments – and for upholstery in luxury car makes such as Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and Ferrari. The Ross Lovegrove designs are Connolly’s first range of luggage.

“Modern and masculine with clean lines, the pieces come in dark green, tan, blue/black, dark brown and black, all with their signature pale cream interior,” the Connolly spokesman says of the luggage.

Lovegrove comments: “I wanted to design a range of luggage influenced by, and as well made as, the very best of cars.”