032 PROJECT 1 PROJECT INFO
Design Studio Found
studiofound.co.uk
Client
Incipio Group Size
650 sq m
Duration 3 years
SOUTH-LONDON BASED Studio Found has completed its biggest and most ambitious project to date; the transformation of the Grade 1 listed underground vaults of The Royal Exchange into a new premium drinking and dining destination in the heart of the City of London: The Libertine.
It is the second project for client Incipio Group, which owns and operates the venue, with the studio previously working on Percy’s in Kensington for the company. Studio Found’s latest project for its client has delivered the new space from concept to completion, which over saw managing the complex planning application and consent required to convert the historically significant site into a functional, contemporary hospitality venue. Ed Plumb, founder and director at Studio Found, comments: ‘This has been one of our most challenging yet rewarding projects. Working with such a committed and engaged team at Incipio, and with some talented contractors and artisans, has made it so worthwhile for everyone involved.’ The Royal Exchange’s established history as a place of commerce, gathering and revelry
provided Studio Found numerous reference points to work with, while the cavernous underground arched vaults provided design challenges. It was a bustling place where goods from around the world were bought and sold. Established by merchant Sir Thomas Gresham, it was opened by Queen Elizabeth I in 1571 who gave it its royal status and licence to serve alcohol, marking it as the first venue in Britain to be granted an alcohol licence. It has twice burnt down, first in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and again in 1838, and each time has been rebuilt. The current Royal Exchange was designed by Sir William Tite in the 1840s and opened by Queen Victoria.
Studio Found curated and delivered a complete styling concept to enhance and complement this incredible space and all its idiosyncrasies. Evoking a sense of escapism and delight among The Libertine’s guests was key. Studio Found sourced, designed, commissioned and staged objects, artworks, furniture and lighting to bring moments of surprise around every corner.
Walk through the entrance and you find yourself in an antiques shop full of equine-
Top left Despite its design challenges due to its age, The Libertine was designed by examining the old building’s numerous reference points
Right, clockwise The moody arched vaults of The Royal Exchange now house The Libertine, allowing customers to enjoy a premium dining and drinking experience complete with atmosphere and a rich Elizabethan heritage
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