My London: Barry Kay, Skateboarder
Skateboarder-cum-furniture upholster Barry Kay launches the Skate Interiors furniture exhibition this weekend: a showcase of conceptual furniture made from brand new or recycled Skateboards. The show, in collaboration with Si Skipp and Scott Horsey Walker, is showing in Hackney Wick this Friday and Saturday. Here he opens up to The London Word about skating, summertime and saving the South Bank.
‘My workshop is my creative hub; many ideas have been hatched and created there. It’s my form of escapism from the hustle and bustle of the city. I am currently in my workshop, working hard on all the pieces for the gallery showing in Hackney at The White Building in time for November 29 and 30.
Nothing beats a nice walk along the Embankment in autumn. The last of the summer’s colours disappearing into the grey of winter is all part of London’s charm.
My most vivid London memory has gotta be growing up skating, and the South Bank; many surreal memories I couldn’t count. One highlight is the (skateboarding team) Bones Brigade who came to England; those guys were real, unlike the present time where all American teams are big celebrities. Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk and Lance Mountain were the real deal and top guys; innovative, creative pioneers and were already making movies back in the day. It’s a real shame so many up and coming skaters may not get a chance to experience (the South Bank). It’s already a shadow of its former self. It would be a huge loss if it were to disappear. Let’s save the South Bank!
I really like The National Gallery, it’s so peaceful and inspiring.
My perfect London day out would involve having a mooch around some galleries, maybe going to see a comedy show around the Strand area, then getting messy back at a mate’s flat or ending up in a club, and trying to catch the train home in the morning.
Seeing the architecture throughout my travels from Europe to Asia I have never found a city with such style and design quite like London.
Too much traffic drives me mad, and I’m not a big fan of the parking wardens either!
The summer season in London wins hands down for many reasons: you can do a lot more on your skateboard outdoors, there are some beautiful parks and – depending which one you choose – you may have a chance of having them to yourself. Regent’s Park and Queen’s Park are two of my favorites.
I’ve always wanted to be inside the Houses of Parliament; that would be very cool.
William Morris is my biggest inspiration in life. He was an English textile designer, artist, writer and socialist. A master of many trades, not to mention what he did for the working classes, and the arts and crafts he created. A huge inspiration that keeps my mind focused on greater functional pieces.
I have so many projects in the pipeline, which should keep me busy into retirement. At the moment I’m focused on the launch, which features works from myself and Si Skipp. We are working around the clock to make sure this event is something special.
Come to the Skate Interiors launch this week. Visit my website and buy something bespoke from: www.skateinteriors.co.uk.’
Skate Interiors debuts on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November from 7 to 11pm at:
The White Building
Queens Yard
White Post Lane
Hackney Wick
E9 5EN
The event includes FREE entry, parking and drinks for the early birds.