Manufacturer of high quality decorative and structural glass creations T4 Design, has recently completed a bespoke installation for motorsport legend Sir Stirling Moss OBE. The company was commissioned by the celebrated racing driver to create a series of unique glass panels for the top-floor balcony of his London home, each displaying a detailed image of the famous Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR that he drove to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.
Since building his four-storey Mayfair house in the early 60s, Sir Stirling has held a passion for regularly updating and improving the property to suit his changing needs and lifestyle. His most recent series of upgrades has seen a number of detail changes that bring the décor and functionality of the accommodation right up to date. This has included the addition of six new glass panels fitted to the balustrade around the fourth-floor balcony.
“I had some stainless steel panels with an image of a Vanwall previously. They served a purpose for a time but were in need of a makeover”, explained Sir Stirling. “I wanted something that went well with the house and added to the atmosphere of the place. I therefore looked around for a company that would be able to produce what I wanted and found t4 design. It was clear from the outset that, not only were they able to carry out the work, but they were very enthusiastic about the project too.”
Having met with Sir Stirling and surveyed the premises, the team from T4 Design – led by project manager Gary Jones – took away an original image of the victorious Mercedes number 722 and set to work at their Mansfield factory. Initially, the image was accurately traced and then recreated as a computerised stencil template, down to the last small detail.
Using top quality, toughened smoked glass, the image of the car was etched onto the surface of each panel, before a second panel was bonded to the back to encapsulate the etching. Each item was then shaped and drilled in preparation for installation and finally, the edges were ground and polished.
Whilst the production of the glass took place, designers and manufacturers of staircases and architectual features Flight Design, constructed the metalwork in which the panels were to be fixed. Such was the accuracy and care taken by both companies, when it came to installation, all of the components combined perfectly and the end result surpassed expectations, including those of Sir Stirling:
“The panels look absolutely terrific. The detail in which t4 design has recreated the image of the Mercedes is fantastic and, when the sun shines through the glass, the reflection of the cars on the balcony floor is stunning. I hadn’t realised they would stand out so much. That’s a real bonus.
“The balcony is now a great feature and I feel it’s one of the best things we’ve done to the house. I have to say that all of my dealings with t4 have been excellent. I am delighted with the way they handled the project and I’m equally as delighted with the end result.”
Whilst the nature of the work carried out for Sir Stirling is a regularly performed process for T4 Design, the project itself is unique and the company was thrilled when it was commissioned to produce the panels, as Business Development Director Paul Gibson explains:
“When we were asked to produce the panels for Sir Stirling the whole company became extremely excited about the project. We really wanted to make a good impression and I am so pleased that we did. It has been a privilege to work with him and we are proud to have our work endorsed by such a famous name in British sporting history.”
Following the successful conclusion of this project, T4 Design is now looking to attract additional work from companies and individuals in the motorsport and automotive sectors.
Its range of products extends far beyond etched glass panels and includes the production of painted, laminated and coloured glass on a commercial scale. Its installations in the UK and overseas have seen T4 Design produce decorative features, displays, retail interiors and purpose-built structures, with some of them regarded as iconic works of art.
