Bethan Gray is an award-winning British furniture designer. She invited Hand Built Films to make a film capturing her collaboration with master craftsman Mohammad Reza Shamsian and his Muscat-based workshop of highly skilled artisans.
Using ancient techniques – such as 16th-century marquetry, combined with cutting-edge technology and the finest natural materials including marble, hand-stained maple and brass ¬– they co-created the Shamsian Collection. Inspired by Bethan’s family heritage and her extensive travels throughout the Middle East, it references carefully observed details from the way the sunlight falls across the castellations of the fort at Nizwa to the billowing sails of traditional Omani boats.
The collection is characterised by intricate yet harmonious patterns that capture cultural stories in collaboration with local artisans in a way that resonates with both the people to whom those stories belong and audiences all over the world.
Nick spent time with Bethan in her London studio and travelled with the team to Oman to visit the Nizwa fort, to see traditional Dhow boats in the water, and to observe the making process in Shamsian’s Muscat workshop. Through an instinctive understanding of Bethan’s creative process, Nick was able to pinpoint the story quickly and slot into an already busy team to get the best out of the people around him, capturing on film the decisive moments that make Shamsian such an exceptional collection.
At a time when it is increasingly difficult to showcase work and meet clients and partners at design festivals and worldwide events, this film enabled Bethan Gray to create an emotional connection with audiences all over the globe, offering an intimate insight into the story behind the product.