For a year, Ben Pentreath, the British architectural and interior designer, shielded himself from the world with a simple message: ‘I’m on sabbatical. I’m taking photos for my book—it’s the only way to get it done.’ It was a bold move for someone running an architectural design studio with 40 employees, but Pentreath knew it was necessary. After eight years of starting and stopping, he realized his new book, the first exclusively focused on his projects, could only come together if he dedicated himself fully. The result, ‘An English Vision,’ is more than just another glossy interiors book. It’s a testament to Pentreath’s unique approach to design, encompassing everything from refreshing a London townhouse with a mango-colored Smeg refrigerator to building an entire town in the Scottish Highlands. His work transcends mere aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that feel both timeless and welcoming, spaces that transcend trends. Pentreath’s design philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for tradition, but with a modern twist. He embraces the beauty of Bloomsbury floral wallpapers and the elegance of Greek key upholstered ottomans, but he also understands the importance of functionality and practicality. As Pentreath puts it, his work is about creating things that are ‘longer lasting than a lampshade… if you get it right, the street will be just as you designed it for thousands of years.’ The book itself is a reflection of Pentreath’s multifaceted approach. It’s a blend of architecture, town planning, and interior decoration, showcasing the breadth of his talent. This unique fusion was initially a source of confusion for Pentreath, who questioned where the book belonged. But it was his friend and fellow designer, Veere Grenney, who encouraged him to embrace the full scope of his work. Another unusual aspect of ‘An English Vision’ is that Pentreath photographed it himself. He was already on set, so he decided to take the pictures. It was a daunting task for someone who claims to have no prior experience with photography, but the images speak for themselves. When long-planned trips to Scotland for photography were hampered by incessant rain, Pentreath knew he had to adapt. He cleared his calendar, embracing spontaneity and chasing the light at all hours. This commitment to capturing the essence of his projects resulted in a book that showcases Pentreath’s exacting eye. ‘An English Vision’ is divided into chapters with loose themes: In the City, Towns & Townhomes, The Country House, The Village & Farm. It features moodboard-worthy images of antique drum tables in vibrant green rooms alongside the façade of a Neoclassical-style brick building constructed in 2017. Each project is accompanied by an essay written by Pentreath, offering insights into his process and his relationships with the homeowners. The book overflows with inspiration, a testament to Pentreath’s passion for his craft. He finds joy in seeing his homes come alive, even decades later, witnessing the ways in which they become infused with the lives of their inhabitants. ‘I think a house needs a few years of being attacked by kids and dogs to really settle in,’ he says. ‘I’m not a very good decorator when it comes to creating the fake idea that somebody has been living there—I find it quite hard to buy what I call signs of life clutter. I really need them to do that themselves with things they love.’ Pentreath’s ultimate goal is to create spaces that allow people to express themselves. He understands that the true magic of a home lies in the way it’s lived in. ‘Seeing how people are making these houses their homes,’ he says. ‘That’s the process I really love.’ ‘An English Vision’ is more than just a collection of beautiful spaces. It’s an invitation to engage with the creative process, to appreciate the artistry that goes into building not just homes, but lives.
Ben Pentreath’s ‘An English Vision’: A Glimpse into the Mind of a Multifaceted Designer
