Rolls-Royce , an automotive company, has embraced a project like this bespoke picnic set.
For Rolls-Royce owner’s opulence was the order of the day. As well as Rolls-Royce designed hampers, names like Asprey, Coracle, Vickery and Drew & Sons could be found straddling the running boards of cars, as drivers and passengers prepared to dine out in style. Frequently the centre-piece of a day, the picnic was an event in itself, to be enjoyed in the presence of an automotive work of art to complement the most delightful English view or the highest society event.
Today the golden age of picnicking promises an exclusive return thanks to the skill of designers and craftspeople at Goodwood, England. The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars bespoke programme has delivered an exclusive four person picnic set, taking cues from the past and translating them into a modern and exclusive interpretation for 21st century.
Research began early in 2009. Then in the autumn, the design started to take shape. From the first pencil sketches, a further three months were taken to develop a computer aided design scheme, then three more to make a working prototype. In total, around six months and 1,500 hours went into the design and creation of the four person picnic set, before its first appearance at Villa D’Este, Italy in April 2010.
There were practical challenges of course, such as considering how a modern picnic set might be used by its owner. Then there was question of identifying suppliers for the contents. But, fundamentally, there was a deeper issue: the Rolls-Royce of picnic sets had to possess the wow factor.
The set blends attributes of traditional wicker hampers, but in a leather front-folded unit that facilitates air flow while offering the solidity of a trunk.
The team started with oiled teak, a material that complements decking commonly selected as an option by Drophead Coupé owners. Saddle tan leather originates from a small tannery in Germany while polished aluminium and stainless steel complete the unit to be presented at Salon Privé this week.
After opening the set and folding out Indian rosewood tables, owners are presented with Goodwood designed hand-blown and cut stemware, cutlery made by David Mellor CBE and clever design touches like magnets inside chopping boards to hold knives in place.
But while designed to a recommended layout and configuration, the set can be personalised through veneer, leather and individual requirements; this is a bespoke picnic set after all.
Oak might be chosen as an option by the owner of a Phantom saloon to match a vehicle interior. And leather can be dyed to match the colour of an owner’s Rolls-Royce luggage set – another exclusive design developed in the Goodwood studio.
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