Inspired by LBTY: Tudor by Wilfrid Wood
The London-based portrait artist is known for his candid approach to his subjects. Discover his homage to Liberty LBTY Fragrance’s woody, bohemian scent
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Inspired by LBTY: Tudor by Wilfrid Wood
The London-based portrait artist is known for his candid approach to his subjects. Discover his homage to Liberty LBTY Fragrance’s woody, bohemian scent
A deep-rooted passion for artistic expression lies at the heart of Liberty, from the Tudor foundations of our store upwards and outwards. The exquisite world of Liberty’s LBTY. Fragrance is no exception, guided by a passion for creativity and collaboration, celebrating history and heritage with an eye to the future.
And what better way to explore the intricacies of the Liberty’s LBTY. Fragrance collection than by continuing our close collaboration with the creative world? This year, we’re tasking a series of contemporary creatives with reimagining each scent through their unique artistic media as part of our Inspired by LBTY. series.
Wilfred Wood’s work is a study in character. The London-based, multimedia artist is renowned for his portraiture, and his ability to capture the innate personality of his subjects.
Having studied at Central Saint Martins, his artistic career has encompassed a vast array of diverse projects, beginning as a “head builder” on the cult satirical comedy series Spitting Image.
Today, Wood is both a sculptor and illustrator, working in plasticine as well as drawing and painting his subjects. His candid portraits can depict everything from celebrities and politicians to his muse, Theo, and even people who message him on Instagram.
For Liberty, Wood crafted a unique series of illustrations inspired by Liberty LBTY. Fragrance Tudor, and took Liberty along for the journey of its creation.
MEET THE ARTIST: WILFRID WOOD
Can you describe your work and your style? Why and how do you do what you do?
I’m a portrait artist. I’m an artist because I have a desperate need to prove myself. I draw or paint or sculpt every day.
I do occasionally paint famous people, but mostly I paint people who message me on Instagram. Mainly watercolours, sometimes pastel and these days I’m trying oil painting
What drew you to your focus on portraiture?
Trying to understand other people. I tried painting trees and flowers and got pretty bored of it – people are my inspiration. I’m fascinated with other people and the way people look.
How has social media changed the way that you work?
I like to think I’d be working the same way with or without social media, but that’s probably not true.
Social media is a hungry monster which demands to be fed, in that sense it gets you up and working. On the other hand, it encourages you to chase whatever you think is going to be popular, which is a bad idea.
So, like most things in life: it’s a double edged sword.
Tell us about this artwork – how did you bring the scent to life?
I painted my muse Theo in the garden, with a bottle of Liberty LBTY. Fragrance Tudor, surrounded by wasps and nettles and a huge hornet that landed on my neck as I was working.
These are drawings in pen and ink and watercolours, painted at my parents’ house in Sussex. It’s where I grew up, so I know every inch of it really well, especially the garden. It’s really nice to come back here to create this work.
My dad was a natural history illustrator, so nature is a big part of my DNA and including some plants, landscapes and the environment around here within a portrait is something I’m very keen to explore.
I want to engage people with my work in any way that seems appropriate, and humour is often a way to connect with people.
Playfulness and humour an important element of your work? How does that manifest?
I try to entertain. If a work of art is boring, even if its "good", no one’s going to bother.
I want to engage people with my work in any way that seems appropriate, and humour is often a way to connect with people. I like my work to have an element of wit or lightness about it.
Where do you find your inspiration?
People, nature and hubris.
Which contemporary designers/artists are you enjoying at the moment?
I like @kimzkimzkimzkimzkimz on Instagram.
What does it mean to you to be working with Liberty?
I think of Liberty as one of the classic Soho institutions, which I like.
How does this fragrance make you feel?
Expensive.
