At our Design Studio, we are endlessly inspired by artists and today we are celebrating the extraordinary Wendell Castle. Castle redefined the boundaries between form and function, treating furniture as sculpture and crafting pieces brimming with imagination and narrative. Each creation tells a story of its own. Join us as we explore some of his most remarkable works and the enduring legacy he left behind.
Born in Kansas in 1932, Castle worked prolifically until his passing in 2018, forging a bold and influential path through the world of design. His distinctive pieces challenge us to see furniture in a new light: as conversation starters, as works of art and as deeply personal objects.
One of Castle’s most recognisable techniques was stack lamination, a process that involves gluing together multiple layers of wood and sculpting them into smooth, flowing forms. These organic shapes possess a playful, almost whimsical quality, imbuing even the most static objects with a sense of movement and vitality. We admire Castle’s work not only for its sculptural beauty but also for its bold spirit. At Warren Street Hotel, we are fortunate to house one of his creations. Positioned proudly in the lobby is ‘Never Grow Old’ (2014), a sculptural bronze seat that is both whimsical and thought-provoking. With its curvaceous silhouette and commanding presence, it draws the eye and invites you to pause, sit and reflect.
This piece transforms the space around it. The lobby, alive with vibrant textures and rich colour, is further elevated by Castle’s work. The bold yellow walls act as a canvas, allowing the sculpture to truly come alive within its surroundings.
We were also privileged to include one of Wendell Castle’s striking pieces in our ‘A Dining Room of One’s Own’ at the Kips Bay Show House last year. ‘Grand Whispers’, a sculptural bench carved from ash, acts both as a seat and as a bold statement of Castle’s imaginative approach to furniture. Its curved form and double seating invite conversation and shared experience. We placed it in front of our textured walls, upholstered in Front Row in Jewel Green, a structured geometric fabric that complements the bench’s fluid form and strengthens the connection between art and design.
Castle’s work captures the elegance of organic shape while demonstrating his mastery of trompe l’oeil carving techniques. These create the illusion of softness even though the materials are solid and sculptural. His legacy is one of exceptional craftsmanship, artistic innovation and bold creativity, continuing to inspire generations of artists and designers. His pieces remind us that furniture can be more than simply functional. It can also be joyful, imaginative and profoundly expressive.
We hope you find Wendell Castle’s work as inspiring as we do. If you are ever in Tribeca, we warmly invite you to visit the Warren Street Hotel and experience the magic of his creations in person.