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Act I - A shared love of craft

Inspired by the story of Swan Lake

Skilled hands cutting fabric

The work beneath the wonder

Swan Lake is a fitting place to begin a story about craft. Its beauty is made long before a performance begins: in the hours of repetition and refinement that allow a dancer’s grace to appear effortless, and in the care behind every detail on stage.

For this first Act, we have created a pair of one-of-a-kind chairs inspired by Swan Lake, exploring that same devotion to detail.

“Effortlessness is an illusion. We are always striving for ease of movement, but, like a swan, underneath there is so much intricate work.”

Anna Rose O’Sullivan, Principal, The Royal Ballet

Skilled hands cutting fabric
Skilled hands cutting fabric

“Feathers felt like a natural starting point - they immediately connect the piece to Swan Lake, but they are also part of the world of upholstery.”

Hannah Edwards, Consulting Costume Designer, Sofas & Stuff

Carmen ballet feet
Anna Rose O'Sullivan in a chair

The detail behind the grace

The Swan Lake-inspired Harwood chairs, one in ivory, one in black echoing the ballet's duality of light and dark.

The wings are a defining detail. Feather by feather, they bring a sense of movement to the chairs and signify the handcrafted detail behind each piece.

Carmen ballet feet
Anna Rose O'Sullivan in a chair

“The things you don’t see still get the same attention as everything you do see.”

Steven Harrison, Head of Development, Sofas & Stuff.

A beautifully made piece is shaped by details the eye may never notice: the frame, the cut and fit of the fabric, the adjustments made along the way. That hidden work is what allows a finished piece to look right, feel right and last.

Carmen ballet feet
Anna Rose O'Sullivan in a chair

Four Acts of The Making

Follow our partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera as it comes to life across four Acts, revealing the skill, imagination and human endeavour behind exceptional work.

Act 1: Swan Lake

Act I
A shared love of craft

Inspired by the story of Swan Lake.

Act 2: Carmen

Act II
The fabric of a character

Inspired by the story of Carmen.

Coming soon
Act 3: La traviata

Act III
Through the artist's lens

Inspired by the story of La traviata.

Coming soon
Act 4: The Sleeping Beauty

Act IV
The Bravo

Inspired by the story of The Sleeping Beauty.

Coming soon
Limited edition postcard set

Moments from The Making

We are releasing a run of limited edition postcards in celebration of our partnership. Request yours...