Renowned designer Matthew Fisher has unveiled his first public gallery space, M Fisher Seaport Gallery, in New York City’s transforming Seaport neighbourhood. This unique venue, designed for showcasing Fisher’s stoneware objects, combines references to ancient culture with a contemporary sense of luxury and performance design.
A Theatrical Blend of Old and New
Drawing inspiration from his background as a ballet dancer at the School of American Ballet and studies of ancient cultures, Fisher conceptualized the gallery as a “theatrical interpretation of the domestic interior.” The space merges the formality of antiquity with the comforts of quiet luxury, featuring stone pieces that radiate an aura of timelessness. Fisher described the energy that stone evokes, emphasizing the deep connection to its ancient origins.
Design Features and Layout
The gallery comprises three primary rooms, each dedicated to Fisher’s objects, including stone vessels made from materials like Victoria Blu and Paonazzo marble, as well as pieces crafted from metal and cotton cord. The entrance space sets the tone with custom wooden cabinetry, stone countertops, and silver-painted triptychs on the walls, while slim running lights are integrated into the surfaces.
In the center of the space, a dramatic circular soffit with integrated lighting creates a focal point, and copper panels line the passageways. One of the most striking features is a nearly 600-pound carved igneous stone planter with a large fern, displayed in the farthest room, alongside additional stoneware vessels and seating arrangements.
Theatrical and Classical Influences
The gallery’s design is infused with Fisher’s passion for performance. A striking metallic-threaded curtain at the back of the room, inspired by the stage curtain at the Palais Garnier, evokes a sense of theater. Brass chains and weights shape the curtain, mirroring Fisher’s emotional connection to the theatrical space he admires.
An Invitation to Experience Stone
“The Seaport Gallery is where I can share my passion for stone,” Fisher said, explaining how stone embodies energy and time. The gallery is not just a place to view objects but a space to reflect on the materials’ ancient origins and the timeless process behind them.
Fisher’s First Public Space
The gallery, which took nearly seven months to discover, marks a significant milestone for Fisher. Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, the gallery’s design invites guests to experience the luxury of antiquity alongside Fisher’s artistic objects in an intimate, thoughtfully curated environment.
Nearby Design Innovations
The Seaport neighbourhood continues to evolve, with nearby Billy Cotton’s design for Bridges restaurant blending art deco, futurist, and brutalist influences. Also, a floating pool on the East River is undergoing testing, adding to the area’s dynamic architectural landscape.