The Artistry Behind The Feather Bar
Photo from Galerie Magazine, with the story written by Stephen Wallis, photographed by Francesco Lagnese, and styled by Howard W Christian.
Nestled in a luxurious New York duplex, the Feather Bar by Silverlining is a prime example of our signature approach that brings together artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation. Conceived in collaboration with designer Brian J. McCarthy, the piece highlights an intersection of creativity and meticulous craft that challenges traditional boundaries in furniture design.
The spark of the idea for the Feather Bar was ignited when the Silverlining team met Brian J. McCarthy at his studio in New York. Here, the concept of a technically challenging curved bar was discussed. The stakes were raised when Silverlining’s Feather Vanity marquetry sample was chosen as the finish of the bar’s front, reminiscent of the striking patterns observed in the English ring-necked pheasant. This intricate concept led to a collaboration that pushed the limits of furniture design, bringing together aesthetic elegance with complex craftsmanship.
Drawing from the captivating beauty of pheasant feathers, the bar’s exterior showcases a marquetry of dyed wood veneers that simulate the delicate, layered look of feathers. This effect is achieved through the masterful use of materials such as through-dyed ripple sycamore, natural and oxidised Lacewood, and resins enriched with nickel and Dubai gold—materials chosen for their ability to provide both visual impact and enduring quality.
The creation of the Feather Bar was an ambitious endeavour - the bar front alone required the assembly of 2,283 pieces of veneer, intricately cut and painstakingly laid out to form the complex feather pattern across a curved surface. This process involved over 30,000 etch lines and took a staggering 1,426 hours to complete, a testament to the dedication and precision inherent in our craftsmanship.
Upon completion, the Feather Bar emerges not just as a piece of furniture, but as a sculptural element that enhances the space it occupies. Topped with marble and edged in brass, the bar’s curved form and textured surface create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, transforming the functional into the phenomenal. Its presence in McCarthy’s duplex is not merely for utility but acts as a central art piece, setting a tone of sophisticated conviviality.
The Feather Bar showcases how traditional techniques can be revitalized through modern interpretation and technological integration. It reflects a broader trend in luxury furniture design, where the value lies not only in the aesthetic and functional aspects but also in the innovative processes behind its creation. This piece does more than furnish a room; it narrates a story of artistic ambition and technical skill. As we look towards the future of design, the confluence of heritage craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation will continue to drive the industry forward, much like the one-of-a-kind Feather Bar.