‘The Dalmore Presents…’emerged as a unique collaboration between The Dalmore whisky and Chorus Arts, designed to showcase the brand’s commitment to heritage, craft, and sustainable design. Held at No. 9 Cork Street, Frieze Gallery—an iconic location in the heart of London’s West End—the event highlighted the connection between The Dalmore’s rich legacy of craft and the future of contemporary design.

Drawing inspiration from The Dalmore’s storied connection to natural materials, Chorus Arts set out to highlight emerging UK-based designers and artisans whose work in timber and texture speaks to the importance of wood in the whisky-aging process.

The Evening

Hosted at Frieze Gallery, No. 9 Cork Street, ‘The Dalmore Presents…’ was a highlight of West End Galleries Night. Chorus Arts adopted a curatorial approach, aligning the experience with both The Dalmore’s commitment to craft and heritage and Frieze’s leading voice in contemporary art. Guests were invited to experience The Dalmore expressions through a suite of unique cocktails and tasting experiences with a DJ creating a relaxed, lively atmosphere.

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The Designers

Chorus Arts curated a selection of emerging UK-based craft practitioners whose work resonates with the Dalmore’s values. Highlighting the central role of timber and casks in whisky-making, the exhibition featured furniture designers and craft practitioners working with sustainable and natural materials, blending traditional techniques with modern interpretations.

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Darren Appiagyei, a wood-turner known for his intuitive process and raw aesthetic, showcased pieces that reflect his respect for materiality. He embraces rawness and imperfection in his practice, choosing his materials for their potential. His creations are a collaborative effort between his vision, instinctive moments at the lathe, and the inherent qualities of the material itself.

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Sneha Ravi, a textile designer, created a piece that echoed the narrative of craftsmanship, blending texture and story much like the whisky’s aging process within its casks. Working closely with Chorus Arts, Ravi’s design was imagined as a bespoke 14-meter fabric installation inspired by water ripples, tree rings, and fingerprints—symbols of the natural imprints that shape The Dalmore’s whisky.

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Other featured furniture designers included Eve Thomson, George Almond, Alfie Newman, Lucy Milham, and Ella Clasby, each chosen for their innovative approaches to sustainable materials and contemporary design. Highlights included Thomson’s ‘Rib’—a piece of striking form made from high-quality ash—and Milham’s sculptural ‘Alis Armchair’, each inviting tactile engagement.

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The Commitment to Sustainability

Chorus Arts placed sustainability at the forefront of ‘The Dalmore Presents…’. The project took a comprehensive approach to reducing its carbon footprint, from the sourcing of fully sustainable print materials to the design of reusable structures and low-waste installations. Every element was carefully considered to minimise environmental impact while delivering an elevated experience.

The majority of the featured artists integrated eco-conscious practices into their work, using stainable methods and materials.

The entire project was measured using ISLA’s TRACE platform, achieving an impressively low carbon footprint of 0.74 tCO2—the closest any Chorus Creative Group project has come to Net Zero for Scope 3 activity.

As Active Members of the Gallery Climate Coalition, Chorus Arts continues to advocate for greener practices within the industry.

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The Verdict

The event delivered a truly art led experience with emerging craft at its heart. A unique and beautiful convergence of heritage, craft and whisky-making.  

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"Working with Chorus Arts for The Dalmore's Frieze partnership over the past two years has been a truly exceptional experience. From the outset, they felt like an extension of our team, always approaching each detail with honesty, passion, professionalism, and a level of promptness that kept everything on track. Their proactive approach meant they were always one step ahead, allowing us to focus on creating a memorable brand event without worrying about the details. Their seamless execution and dedication helped elevate our presence at Frieze this year, delivering a sophisticated art and design led experience that truly aligned with our vision. I look forward to many more successful collaborations with them!"

Lucy McQueen, UK Brand Manager - The Dalmore

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