Contemporary Patronage

As the largest remaining parcel of brownfield land in London, Bishopsgate Goodsyard enjoys a rich layered history and is known for its distinctive Victorian industrial architecture. The area has long been a crucible for lateral thinking and new ideas; connecting a diverse tapestry of communities, it is a seam that runs through the creative and financial districts of Shoreditch.Adriana is joined by Chris Dyson, the lead architect tasked with navigating the site’s heritage, and Nicola Zech-Behrens, Project Director at Ballymore, who has played a pivotal role in reimagining the area for years to come.

This episode explores Exchange Square's transformative reimagining. A peaceful oasis in the heart of the London, Exchange Square offers moments of rest and restoration for workers, residents, and passers-by to enjoy.Adriana is joined by Deborah Saunt, co-founder of architectural practice DSDHA, and their client David Lockyer, Head of Development at British Land. Together, they examine how the public realm contributes to wellbeing and resilience, tracing the rich narratives behind sustainable, community-driven design.

How do you reimagine a piece of architectural history and transform it for a new market? What does this journey look like when transforming one of London’s most iconic brutalist buildings?This special episode, recorded at The Department Store, home to leading architectural practice Squire & Partners, launches Bespoke's third series. Adriana is joined by Tim Gledstone, Partner at Squires, with their client Tyler Goodwin, CEO of Seaforth Land, to learn more about the vision for Space House and their close collaboration in its redevelopment.

What does art patronage look like today?Brooke Benington is a contemporary art gallery based in Fitzrovia. The exhibition programme has a strong emphasis on supporting the creative development of emerging artists and aims to inspire visitors to invest more deeply in their work, following them throughout their careers.In this episode, Adriana is welcomed by gallery co-director George Mingozzi-Marsh on the opening day of Midnight Oil, a solo installation by Victor Lim Seaward. Together, they explore the crucial role contemporary patronage holds in fostering creativity within the visual arts.

What does commissioning a piece of music, something with no tangible form, look like?In this episode, Adriana is joined by leading composer Supriya Nagarajan to learn more about her creative process and the rich, dreamy soundscapes she creates…Together they explore Supriya's cross-cultural commissions in a wide variety of contexts, from ekphrastic responses to the sculptural work of Barbara Hepworth, to bespoke performances for Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and collaborations in community-settings.

Intrigued by the power of language, Rosalind Wyatt is a British artist who loves words. Her practice combines text and textile, abstract mark making, large brush calligraphy, and her own specialised technique of ‘writing with a needle.’ This episode explores Rosalind's stitch commissions: from a handstitched handkerchief celebrating a wedding anniversary, to an Edwardian bodice for heritage brand Fortnum & Mason.

Emma Wesley is an award-winning portrait painter.Her paintings are exhibited widely, and they feature in the permanent collections of The National Portrait Gallery, The Royal Society and Lord’s Cricket Ground, amongst many others.She has painted a diverse range of subjects from butchers to philosophers; as well as antique dealers, cricketers, soldiers, surgeons and even violinmakers…Join Emma in conversation with Adriana as they discuss the artist-sitter relationship, her work with Wes Anderson and what makes a good portrait.

Place and art go hand in hand; often, art is used as a catalyst to create new places and add value to existing spaces. It invites and inspires an ecosystem of collaboration where commissioner and artist alike bring new perspectives and ideas to transform an area, adding layers of meaning and opening new paths for exploration. What can we do to engage more people to commission with confidence, and come forward as storytellers and future patrons? This episode, recorded Cromwell Place, explores these ideas and more in conversation with art consultant Kate Sweeney, alongside artist Francisca Prieto and placemaking expert Carlin Fier. Cover Art:Artist Credit: Longcross Park, Wolfgang Buttress.Photo Credit: Mark Hadden.

How can you take the leap from collecting an artist's work to shaping a be-spoke piece in conversation with a maker?This special episode for London Art Fair launches Be-Spoke's second programme. Adriana is joined by leading international gallerist Cynthia Corbett and Jane Adams, founder of luxury online interior studio AUTHOR. Together, they explore commissioning in a fine art context, looking at both the practical and human in the process, as well as the compelling stories that shape a work of art.

Artist and Jeweller Sarah Warsop describes drawing and painting as a bridge between dance, jewellery, movement and metal. She met her client Nicky Gray at a yoga session, where they discovered a mutual interest in jewellery and design.Using a fabulous aquamarine gem as a starting point, this episode explores how to shape a brief and provides insight into commissioning from the perspectives of the maker and the client.Adriana joins Sarah and Nicky in conversation, discussing the creative and practical aspects of designing and making something unique. Together, they look at how to capture identity and movement in metal and outline the importance of embracing the unknown and the unexpected outcomes that follow.