Simon Wittenberg takes a look at the second expression to be added to Royal Salute’s Art of Wonder series.
Following the collaboration with Kate MccGwire in 2022, Royal Salute, the Scotch whisky brand dating back to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, has come together this time with the visionary sculptor Conrad Shawcross for the next instalment in its Art of Wonder series.
The collection sees partnerships with some of today’s most avant-garde artists, who are invited to take inspiration from the art of whisky blending to create a lasting tribute to the transformative power of creativity.
Named “the Royal Salute Time Chamber by Conrad Shawcross”, the world-revered creator, who works with light, geometry and movement, has meticulously engineered an extremely rare art piece to house an exceptional 53-year-old Scotch whisky.
For this second iteration in the Art of Wonder series, Conrad Shawcross has designed a masterpiece to showcase the link between the concept of time in the realm of fine art and in luxury whisky.
The 53-Year-Old expression has been expertly crafted by Royal Salute’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. The finest whiskies from across Scotland were hand-selected and matured in a combination of European and American Oak casks.
The resulting blend boasts an exquisite profile, with rich, fruity notes on the nose, a bouquet of juicy berries, rich toffee, roasted almonds, and spicy stem ginger on the palate, and a long and sweet finish with a hint of spice.
There are just 21 sculptures formed of a hand-spun glass disc with a crystal decanter to represent time’s many dimensions. The disc reflects the endless star systems in the night sky, while the spindle and decanter form a kind of spike, like an arrow through a target, which represents a vector of time, implying strong directionality.
To be unveiled at the Frieze Art Fair in London from 11th – 15th October 2023, the full expression of Shawcross’ concept, entitled “Beyond The Beginning”, will be available for all to see within the Royal Salute Gallery Bar.
Guests will be welcomed into a private salon where the Time Chamber will be displayed alongside and complemented by a second piece in Conrad Shawcross’ body of work, The Limit of Everything, a light installation composed of three articulated arms.
The two pieces will come together in a sensorial experience, immersing guests in an enchanting world that perfectly marries the respective art of both Royal Salute and Conrad Shawcross.
Commenting on his collaboration with Royal Salute, Conrad Shawcross said that he took inspiration from his visit to the Strathisla Distillery in Scotland, where the most precious Royal Salute blends are housed.
He added that he was also struck by the sheer amount of time contained in the age statement of this bespoke blend and wanted to capture this in multiple elements of the art piece.
The Royal Salute Time Chamber by Conrad Shawcross – Where and How?
The Royal Salute Time Chamber by Conrad Shawcross will be available for purchase at selected retailers for an RRP of $120,000 USD (around £98,000).
For more information, visit royalsalute.com.
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