MetLife NY Boardroom Leathers

— Article écrit par Fred le 08/08/2012 —

Back in 2004 we were asked to reproduce the leather wall coverings for MetLife NY. The job and the challenge were considerable. We made samples for over 8 months, meanwhile the people in charge of the project tried to source other suppliers for the gilded leather in order to secure their need. In the end we got the order for over 400 panels of gilded leather.

The finalization of the samples was done over here in our workshop, along with Alexandra Allart from ArtCare Resources whom traveled all the way to France.

For many years I have been trying to get some pictures of the job which I never physically saw. For an unknown reason MetLife has not been very diligent with pictures. Despite several requests we never got one picture. Recently however Robert M. Kelly from the Wallpaper Scholar wrote an article on his blog about the dismantling of the MetLife Boardroom at One Madison Ave and the transfer and rebuild of this imposing room to the penthouse floor at the actual MetLife building which sits atop Grand Central Station. Robert Kelly was one of those involved in the installation of the leathers along with Barry Blanchard.

Removing the ceiling at One Madison, 2004
Removing the ceiling at One Madison, 2004
Original panel
This is an original panel which we were to reproduce.
Old leathers at One Madison
This picture shows the leathers at One Madison, 2004; unfortunately one can't judge the poor condition of the leathers from this picture.

Last year I posted on the MetLife Boardroom leathers. Pictures of this room are hard to get. The posting, however, moved the lines. Here are some good shots of this unique room, from an unique Co° in the very heart of New York City.

MetLife Boardroom View 1
MetLife Boardroom View 2
MetLife Boardroom View 3
MetLife Boardroom View 4
Lutson Leathers installed
Lutson Leathers installed at the MetLife Building atop Grand Central, 2005

For those interested in technical matters of hanging these leathers, Mr. Kelly from www.wallpaperscholar.com hopes to have a presentation on the subject soon. Many thanks to Mr Robert Kelly. Image courtesy of MetLife NY NY.

As Always,
Frederic