Adrian Duyn, Petit Fours Mystery Box (ART & OBJECTS 2025)

Photos:

Nick Cavanagh

Video tour

https://www.joopduyn.ie/theconnaught

Country

Ireland

“Come with me and you'll be In a world of pure imagination Reach out, touch what was once Just in your imagination”. Commission by three star Michelin Restaurant, Hélène Darrozze at The Connaught Hotel, London. Introducing a very very special commission for Helen darozze at The Connaught Hotel a three-Michelin starred elegant expression of craft. We were approached by executive chef Marco to design and create totally bespoke mystery boxes to enhance their guest Petit Fours experience on an unparalleled culinary journey. Over a year in development between initial consultation, research, prototypes, engineering and fine tuning the finishes. Time was seconded to patience and conceptualising a vision into a working design by trusting the power of creativity. Each Petit Fours Mystery box contains 44 individual gears over two layers that interact in unison to smoothly and quietly open and close the 6 alternating drawers. Sitting on a revolving base the mystery boxes can be turned to present each open drawer and its desirable contents to the guests seated at the table. The boxes are completely handmade from prime grade imported Italian white oak and wavy burr oak veneered top surface. A deep penetrating ebony grey stain applied to enhance the grain and add a layer of warmth to its tone reflecting the comforting and cocooning interiors by Pierre Yovanovitch. Its round profile was hand shaped to create intrigue add a layer of playfulness and further the mystery of its experience. The interiors of the drawers are finished with a food safe pure white lacquer to allow the contents of each drawer be presented at its best. The handles are tailor made from solid brass and hand painted to match existing ceramic inserts on the restaurant tables. The hand painting process to build up the multiple layers of depth, tone of colour and pattern took over 20 hours. Multiple layers of gloss acrylic lacquer was applied to match the sheen of the ceramic and deepen the lustre of the paint. An absolute pleasure to be trusted to design and create such a special project. Working with Marco, Giuseppe, Mirko, Nicolas, Timothee and all the team was from the first meeting full of fun, intrigue and extreme professionalism at every level. Thank you for trusting the process, between us all we strove to create and succeed in something truly imaginative, eccentric and fully of joy to experience.

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