Abask's selected purchase platform is based on an artisanal design
The chosen styles cover modernist, essential, minimalist and bohemian themes, and the preliminary introduction includes four environments: the dining room, the study, the video game room and the bar.
Brass plates, brass satellite ashtrays, and brass leather magazine racks, all by Carl Auböck. Large cashmere blanket from Rose Uniacke. Image courtesy of Abask
Abask offers "a unique mix of established designers and local producers with a layer of classic collectibles," explains Pickaerts. Antique objects include mancala and mahjong sets, brass by Austrian Carl Auböck, and glassware by Japanese studio Hirota. Curing such a rich variety required time and travel; Purchasing manager Bryony Rae Sheridan describes how the group "traveled the world for nine months, working with specialists to curate and deliver locally" from locations around the world.
The site, like any inventive process, is an ongoing project and the Abask staff plan to expand by opening new spaces every eight weeks, with The Flower Room and Artist Studio to be added in the coming months.
Large brass base by Carl Auböck. Image courtesy of Abask
The staff has also worked diligently with the Venini Glass House to revive archived reissues and with the Nason Moretti Museum to reissue a group of vintage eyeglasses, reflecting their commitment to preserving craftsmanship that is struggling in the modern buyer's landscape and is still fulfilled. Chapman expresses his hope that Abask will allow people to "enjoy the beauty and achievement of future family heirlooms." §
Archival vases 'Millebolle' and 'Gemmarto' by Carlo Moretti. Large exclusive vase 'Canne Fazzoletto' by Venini. Archival vase 'Fasce Riportate' by Carlo Moretti. Image courtesy of Abask