Mother Oak

Cox London's Mater Quercus commissioned for WOW!house Entrance Hall, imagined by Victoria Davar.

Commissioned for Wow!House Entrance Hall by Victoria Davar of Maison Artefact, this sculptural chandelier celebrates the cultural, ecological, and symbolic essence of the oak tree—Quercus being the genus for oaks, and Mater meaning mother. This unique metalwork installation speaks of the maternal, life-giving "Mother Oak," a generous tree that supports more species than any other.

Mater Quercus" celebrates the cultural, ecological, and symbolic essence of the oak tree. Quercus" being the genus for Oaks and Mater meaning Mother, this unique metalwork installation, speaks of the maternal, life-giving "Mother Oak" - the generous tree, which supports more species than any other.

The artist’s initial sketches and full-scale charcoal drawings depict "clouds" of foliage on meandering branches, both enveloped and supported by a more exotic vine, creating a subtle narrative of fantasy; A dream-like forest at dawn, the ancient tree raised up in a misty, mountainous clearing, resembling a Japanese bonsai.

Tusk-like, bare branches protruding beyond the canopy and negative space between growth, suggest age, wisdom and mortality, while virile sinuous vines, animated foliage and golden acorns all symbolise rebirth, highlighting the oak’s resilience and longevity.

The acorns are polished to a nutty colour that glows warmly when the light hits them, while the leaves have a drier, more textured look—similar to the fire surround in the room —making the contrast exquisitely beautiful.

The chandelier embraces negative space not as emptiness, but as deliberate intention—reflecting nature’s imperfect balance where limbs break, regrow and adapt. Its long, bare branches and gaps play with form and light, offering a poetic dialogue between fragility and strength.

Spirit of The Room

Within the room, set against the clean, pared-back canvas of the central panel above the mantelpiece, the chandelier is given room to breathe and captivate. In a space like WOW!house often characterised by maximalism, Victoria's decision to leave this area intentionally bare allows light, air, and imagination to flow freely around the piece.

Victoria had an immediate affinity to ghosty pale and subtley gold patina of the Magnolia Grandiflora. Her signature palette of soft French greys and Swedish whites harmonise with the Mater Quercus' warm metal finish, which gleams with soft amber. It's curves are remiscent of the shapes she favours in cabriole furniture.

More than decoration, the chandelier inhabits the room as a living spirit—a tangible conversation between nature, myth and architecture. As Victoria reflects, “The chandelier isn’t just decoration—it’s a character, a spirit that inhabits the room.”

WOW!HOUSE

3rd June - 3rd July 2025

Design Centre Chelsea Harbour

Lots Rd, London SW10 0XE

Learn more and buy tickets here.