At Firmdale Hotels we are known for our love of a myriad of materials and textures, and one unexpected material we use throughout our interiors is Perspex.

Perspex is a brand name for an acrylic sheet. It was first manufactured in 1933 and has since become a household name. It is hard and rigid but can be bent into any shape; it is available in opaque and transparent options which can be matched to any colour.

Perspex adds a contemporary edge when used to display antique fabrics or a collection of objects.

In Crosby Street Hotel’s lobby, we have used Perspex to display a collection of ceramics by artist Daniel Reynolds within the coffee table. On the wall we have used Perspex to frame a 3D artwork by Jack Milory. It is a great material for deep box frames because it offers excellent clarity but is less heavy and expensive than glass. It also has a high shock resistance so is less susceptible to damage.

In Ham Yard Hotel’s bowling alley, this fun collection of bowling shoes sourced on eBay is displayed in clear Perspex boxes that showcase the bright colours, creating an almost pop art effect.

You will find various collections across the hotels displayed in Perspex, for example the antique platter collection in the restaurant and orangery at The Whitby Hotel. Encased in Perspex on a black felt background, the antique plates are beautifully offset against the walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Ointment Pink’.

This transparent material works perfectly for framing antique textiles. We love the contrast of framing a decorative Suzani in a contemporary finish.

Museums and art galleries across the globe use Perspex to display their treasures because the advanced UV grade option protects delicate art works and fabrics. In Ham Yard Bar & Restaurant, we have framed antique Indian textiles to create low room dividers between dining tables. This adds privacy and structure within the space, while incorporating texture and visual interest.

Our Rocket Lamp brings an injection of colour to any scheme. Made entirely from Perspex with a wooden base, these fun geometric lamp bases can be seen across the hotels and are available to purchase from Shop Kit Kemp. The yellow version makes an impact in the Library at Number Sixteen hotel and the blue Rocket Lamps add a contemporary edge to the top suite in The Whitby Hotel.

In the recently refurbished Nail Bar at Ham Yard Hotel, we used Perspex for the display unit we designed for storing towels and every nail colour under the sun! Due to its malleable properties we were able to create a unit inspired by my ‘One Way’ fabric design, which covers the walls.