case study: 'Feast of Chromatica'
Wise’s latest project at the iconic Old Royal Naval College saw the venue’s transformation into a utopian wonderland inspired by ‘Chromatica’:
“A fictional land where kindness rules all and everyone is equal, where love is the law, and where people of all races and colours are accepted.”
In the world of event creation, pushing limits to deliver unique experiences is always a thrilling challenge, so when Wise were presented with an opportunity to exercise our artistic license by our Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) venue partner, we welcomed it with open arms! The team at ORNC trusted Wise to create an event that would deliver on their objectives, showcase the venue in a unique and exciting way, and to introduce new luxury clients. Our shared purpose was to transgress event norms and deliver an extraordinary experience. This banquet feast was designed as a vibrant celebration of colour. Strikingly modern but remaining sympathetic to the grandeur and history of a world-renowned space.
// Drinks Reception: Kaleidoscopic Colonnades
The journey into Chromatica began with a drinks reception that immersed guests in a world of saturated colours. A bespoke panel installation weaved a vibrant walkthrough through the colonnades, where rich pinks and blues transformed the muted columns into a lively reception space. The bar became a central focal point, with furniture and florals seamlessly integrating into the overall colour palette.
Bubbles and canapés flowed, with guests relishing photo opportunities beneath our bold boat installation. Adorned with vibrant florals by McQueen’s flowers, the boat paid homage to the venue’s nautical history, whilst boasting it’s third event feature and upholding Wise’s recycling sustainability initiatives!
// Dinner: Frozen in Time
The ‘Feast of Chromatica’ dinner set-up redefined banquets as we know them. The centrepiece – a beautiful ancient banquet, frozen in time – allowed the powerful colours of the Painted Hall to speak for themselves.
The table became a testament to the importance of texture, with cherubs, candleabras and fruits painted in gloss, matte and opal whites. The selection of table items were carefully curated in collaboration with McQueen’s, with our Wise Guys spending an exciting afternoon at their workshop handpicking and painting objects to guarantee a flawless finish on the day.
A dramatic contrast to the saturated hues of the Colonnades drinks reception, the pristine white tablescape acted as a canvas on which the Company of Cooks impressed their culinary artistry. Guests were treated to a menu of four unique dishes, decorating the table with splashes of colour which were characteristically Chromatica. A central LED flex changed colour with each course and added a compelling modern twist to the traditional Banquet Feast, supported by an LED runway lining the venue’s Baroque walls.
// After Party: Holographic Hues
Surprising guests with a post-dinner after party was a highlight of the evening! One of Wise’s most sought-after designs, a holographic LED bar, was set against the mural of the Upper Painted Hall and provided an enchanting focal point whilst guests tucked into post-dinner treats and cocktails.
Pastel hues of furniture curated by Options Great Hire harmonised with playful rainbow lighting and a dynamic LED DJ booth, creating a multi-sensory experience that captivated guests long into the night.
The Painted Hall stands as a testament to centuries of artistry and grandeur, and it was a pleasure to showcase our own artistry within its walls. Juxtaposing the contemporary and the classical, the vibrant present against the backdrop of stories past, we loved leaving our own mark on the legacy of this remarkable venue.
Involving all of Wise’s departments from initial concept right through to onsite delivery, including Sales, Technical, Design, Scenic, and Marketing, ensured seamless delivery throughout the project and produced an unforgettable showcase experience with our wonderful event partners. A heartfelt thank you goes to Old Royal Naval College, Company of Cooks, Options Great Hire, McQueen’s Flowers, Ellis Wines, Blank Canvas Entertainment and TwoByTwo Photography who all trusted our concept and were a delight to collaborate with.
Wise is privileged to be an accredited production partner at 47 historic and unique venues across London. We never forget how lucky we are to deliver experiences in these incredible spaces, and thrive on opportunities like ‘Feast of Chromatica’ to showcase our creative talents and deliver upon our partnership objectives.
Conor Nash, Project Manager