Bringing the fictional Hotel Metropole to life for A Gentleman in Moscow was a true design challenge. The brief required us to recreate authentic Belle Époque–inspired lighting that reflected the elegance of early 20th-century Moscow, drawing on influences from the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau design.

Our team handcrafted more than a dozen unique period lights, many of them designed without traditional lampshades. Instead, we produced striking globe floor lamps for the lobby, custom glass wall lights for the corridors, and ornate column lights for the restaurant.

We also created a selection of bespoke lampshades, including tailored designs for the Count’s bedroom and the Shelyapin Bar. To complement these, we developed Art Deco table and bar lights, featuring pleated silk lampshades set beneath elegant brass tops – a nod to the glamour of the 1920s.

A highlight of the project was our collaboration with artist Anna Acciarini, who sculpted busts for the crystal column lights in the lobby. These were inspired by an original Art Nouveau jewellery design by Ferdinand Zerrenner, blending artistry with craftsmanship to capture the spirit of the era.

The result is a collection of handmade, historically inspired lighting that not only enhanced the set design but also celebrated the artistry and craft of Belle Époque interiors.