Opal by Brodie Neill
One Leadenhall, 1 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 1AB
Brookfield Properties has commissioned renowned designer Brodie Neill to create Opal - a bespoke sculptural seating installation conceived specifically for the reception of One Leadenhall. The work draws inspiration from the architectural grandeur, materiality, and colour palette of the historic Leadenhall Market, just steps away.
Responding to the soaring height and refined atmosphere of the reception space, Opal establishes a dynamic focal point that embodies Brookfield Properties’ commitment to commissioning exceptional local and international artists whose work reflects both the context of place and the quality of design excellence that defines our buildings.
Design and Fabrication
Developed in collaboration with Format Engineers.
Opal: 7m × 2.1m × 5.7m
Opal Bench: 4m × 1.2m × 0.5m
Both feature a stainless-steel internal frame. Over 1,200 bolts secure the sculpted bronze panels in place, cushioned by gaskets for flexibility and finish concealment.
Patination & Colour
Over 30 individual patina finishes are used to achieve a vibrant mosaic of colour. These colours are created through complex chemical processes involving salts, heat, and natural acids. Each panel is hand-finished and sealed with wax to preserve the effect.
About Brodie Neill
Born in Tasmania and based in London for over two decades, Brodie Neill is celebrated for his innovative approach to sustainable design and his use of reclaimed and reimagined materials. His work has been exhibited globally and collected by leading museums and galleries. Notably, he represented Australia at the inaugural London Design Biennale (2016) with Plastic Effects, a presentation that featured the now-iconic Gyro Table - its top crafted from fragments of recycled ocean plastic gathered from beaches across Hawaii, Cornwall, and beyond.
Throughout his career, Neill has explored the expressive potential of material reuse, creating furniture and installations from sources as diverse as reclaimed school floors, dowels, and rare underwater timbers.