Few would argue that in the amber depths of a special, aged whisky, things can get philosophical. Worlds may unfold, time may even start to bend. This is certainly true when it comes to the Time Chamber, a new work by Conrad Shawcross for Royal Salute. The second edition in the brand’s impressive Art of Wonder collection, the Time Chamber – unveiled at Frieze London 2023 – mesmerised guests at an immersive private tasting salon. It's a work that simultaneously showcased the link between the concept of time in the realm of fine art and in luxury whisky, while pushing the boundaries of what a spirits brand artist collaboration can look like.
Royal Salute’s Art of Wonder series debuted last year with a mobius strip sculpture by feather artist Kate MccGwire. The programme, which celebrates cutting-edge creativity through partnerships with some of today’s most visionary artists, invites them to take inspiration from the craft of whisky blending to create a lasting tribute to the transformative power of creativity. MccGwire’s piece, entitled Forces of Nature, was two years in the making and set the tone for a series that is increasingly exciting as it evolves.
