East Meets West - Bethan Gray's Shamsian Collection from Living Edge

Award-winning designer Bethan Gray draws inspiration from the cultural intricacies and moments of diverse beauty that represent chapters in her extraordinary life story. Through her Shamsian Collection, available in Australia exclusively through Living Edge, Bethan demonstrates her innate ability to translate and transform a variety of cultural references into a collection of contemporary pieces.

Historical ancestry and cultural identity play an integral role in Bethan’s design process. Her family hails from an ancient nomadic Rajasthani clan that spent centuries migrating across Arabia and Persia, before finding a permanent settlement in the Celtic heartland of Wales. This epic journey can be seen translated in the rich pattern of influences that informs Bethan’s design process, a style that draws from the ancient craft traditions of both eastern and western civilisation. The Shamsian Collection represents a deep exploration into cultural identity, fusing Omani artistry and architecture to create a series of contemporary furniture pieces.

The Shamsian Collection represents a deep exploration into cultural identity, fusing Omani artistry and architecture to create a series of contemporary furniture pieces.

The Shamsian Collection was named for Mohammad Reza Shamsian, a masterful Omani artist, who collaborated with Bethan on the collection. The pieces are made using the technique of marquetry, a traditional Islamic craft that dates back to the 16th century. The process involves cutting intricate patterns out of multiple layers of coloured veneer, which are then arranged together and glued by hand to create a highly detailed decoration on furniture and interior panels. Shamsian and his team of 70 highly skilled master craftsmen specialise in this ancient art form, and Bethan was naturally delighted to work with him to bring her beautiful memories of Omani society to life.

The Shamsian Collection is comprised of several contemporary storage pieces, including the Dhow cabinets and chest of drawers, which draw inspiration from the traditional Dhow sailing boats that adorn the port cities of Oman. While the Dhow pieces are inspired by the ocean, Bethan has turned her gaze to the built environment to craft the heart of the Shamsian Collection, the Nizwa sideboard and chest of drawers. The detailing is reminiscent of the architectural patterning of the Nizwa Fort in central Oman. This robust building has stood powerfully for centuries as a symbol of military strength, but through its hidden and intricate details, it also reveals Omani architectural ingenuity. Elegantly crafted using brass overlay, the repeating pattern on Bethan’s Nizwa pieces reflect the rounded architectural composition of the fort’s castellation.

The Shamsian Collection was named for Mohammad Reza Shamsian, a masterful Omani artist, who collaborated with Bethan on the collection.

First released in 2017, Bethan Gray’s Shamsian Collection remains as relevant today as when it was launched. By translating her memories of Omani architecture and vibrant imagery into a collection of contemporary pieces, Bethan has shared another important chapter of her life, while paying tribute to the intricate ancient crafts of traditional Islamic society. Available locally through Living Edge, the Shamsian Collection represents a beautiful fusion of eastern and western culture.

Available locally through Living Edge, the Shamsian Collection represents a beautiful fusion of eastern and western culture.