When the first photos/videos came out showing the Red Room in Escala it was definitely like unlocking the door to all these new wonders of Christian Greys world. In the extras videos they talk of how they had to think like Christian Grey and what he would purchase. All definitely high end, quality pieces. I noticed a few pieces of furniture that were quite different than what you may find in a furniture store. I then noticed in the movie credits the name of the designer Mark Brazier-Jones and I decided to follow up to see what pieces they designed for the Red Room. After contacting them they graciously sent back information on their involvement with the movie and shared the three pieces that they designed for the movie.

“mark has written a short piece for you … this can be illustrated with pieces from the collection that were used in the movie”

Sam Taylor Johnson approached us before filming started …. We had a long conversation on the phone in which we soon discovered an enjoyable creative link … she was very definite about using at least 3 of my more risqué pieces of furniture as key elements in the red room. If they were not to be used in anger they were certainly to play an important subliminal role, the main tick boxes being very high end but tastefully twisted. We shared many ideas and sketches by email as the pre-production and filming began and the set designer, Sandy Wasco proved a most excellent conduit facilitating the details.

Though it was to be a red room we all decided on upholstering the Tally Ho, which is the equestrian styled folly, in a lush green velvet and I must say in the final edit Sam was right the emerald set against the blood reds of the room lends a superb richness to the piece.

Of course it was mildly disappointing to find the plot did not allow for the functionality of the pieces to be revealed but perhaps the sequel will not disappoint. I am sure it is what the fans really would like, even if it does stray from the script a little.

The pieces chosen for the film are inventions of mine that are now some ten years old … and are what I call the Flashman Collection. My point of inspiration being the literary character Harry Flashman, authored by George MacDonald Fraser (hilarious books containing exceptional spoken English and thoroughly researched historical situations). Our anti-hero is a Victorian bounder and insatiable opportunist with the ladies. The collection fantasises the notion of stately home parties and saucy capers. There are a number of pieces in the collection but the devices singled out by Sam Taylor Johnson and Sandy Wasco where the Study Chair, the Tally Ho (equestrian folly for polo practice should your Aunt Maud enquire as to the purpose of the curio sitting in your drawing room) and a Detention Cabinet specifically designed to restrain the miscreant … lots of fun and genuine ice breakers at Belgravia receptions.

The Tally Ho

The Study Chair

Detention Cabinet

Mark Brazier-Jones is an internationally celebrated artist, master furniture and lighting designer, sculptor and engineer. His patrons list film and rock royalty and art collectors all over the world.

Examples of his work are held in the following museums:

Victoria & Albert Museum, London
Musee des Arts decoratifs, Paris
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Decorative Arts Collection of the Brooklyn Museum, New York
The Museum of Art and Design, New York

Today Brazier-jones works from a rustic 16th Century barn an hour north of London in the glorious English county of Hertfordshire, where he develops limited collections and bespoke, custom commissions, occasionally venturing abroad to visit his clients and organise exhibitions.

Thank You to Mark Brazier-Jones. You can see more of his collections on his website   brazier-jones.com  

These pieces can be seen in this video and in the movie.

More of the Red Room in Escala is on previous posts here and here

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**This information and photos were provided exclusively for 50shadesgirlportland.com

More Red Room details can be found here.