Nimerology || A Return to the Fine Art of Dining
This new world we reside in has taken us inwards in more than one way. Into our homes, into our minds and into our kitchens. It is clear that chicken soup for the soul is not just an old folks tale. People do in fact resort to food to comfort the heart in times of hardship and uncertainty. The impressively high number of people that have taken to baking and cooking is testament to the importance of good food in our lives. It is the simplest way to bring people together, and if there is anything we are in need of during these times, it’s a sense of belonging.
The more time we spend at home, the more we realize that it is the foundation of our happiness. It is perhaps human nature that we spend where we feel most rewarded. Pre-COVID this may have been the purchase of a latest and greatest outfit to flaunt at the next social occasion. Going forward, it is perhaps time to purchase a beautiful dinnerware set that will serve as a celebration of what we hold dearest; family, togetherness, belonging.
Dinnerware is tricky, in the sense that the majority of us either purchase sets that are painfully expensive, and delicate (yet another representation of where we stand on the; now defunct, social ladder) or practical, inexpensive and commercial. There is nothing that says ‘let’s celebrate our food together’ more than a well-made, functional dinner set that can be used every evening.
UK-based tableware company Nimerology is one of those rare finds. A brand that brings ‘to the table’ a clear and concise journey of beauty, art, luxury and functionality that resonates deeply.
The brand’s offering includes fine bone china dinnerware, serving dishes and even candles. Creator and owner, Beirut-born Nour Al Nimer, is of Palestinian and Turkish heritage. She established her brand in 2013 after having completed her MA in Fine Arts from the prestigious Chelsea School of Art & Design. Before that, Nour read Surface Print Design at the London College of Communication and completed her foundation year in Fine Arts at Central Saint Martins.
I realize that clear and concise are not generally terms associated with tableware but in this case, Nour Al Nimer’s vision is crystal clear. I believe it is her deep understanding of art that has allowed her collections to speak to us in a language we understand. A quick glance at her collections and we almost hear them talking to us, telling tales of Nour’s travels and childhood references. “Nimerology pieces depict the story of my journeys, with the aim of bringing exciting adventures and joy to a home.” Al Nimer elaborates. Most importantly perhaps, they speak to us of celebration, and appreciation for the art of dining. These luxury dishes have no place in the dark, undisturbed crevices of the china cabinet. They are meant to be used, spreading art and beauty often.
Nour’s strong background in art, and her belief in the importance of new experiences sets the blueprint for her collections. Long before her studies, Nour’s childhood was steeped in creativity and art history. “I fell in love with my father’s Iznik pottery collections.. I am fascinated by the influence Chinese porcelain had on the production of Ottoman ceramics and its decorations, it’s simply breathtaking.” There is a rhythm and authenticity to her work that allows her to bridge both worlds; that of art and dinnerware. Melding artistic sensibilities with straight forward functionality, Nimer’s exquisitely crafted tableware has been showcased at art galleries and world-class speciality boutiques alike.
Her collections, 7 in total (so far) take us on journeys to far off lands. The medium she uses to relay her experiences is anything but cliché. Nour uses techniques, merging the traditional with the latest developments in technology to transfer the design onto the plates, ensuring that every detail is flawless. “I like to think of Nimerology as haute couture tableware design and a manufacturing company.” Nour tells us.
Honing in on elements that have inspired her, Nour works to develop them in unique ways. Take for example her ‘An Ode to Scandinavia’ collection. Artistically, the turquoise and purple hues come together with gold and white drawings to create a dramatic theme that tantalizes the senses. This drama is mirrored in her reflections on Scandinavia (Finland and Sweden specifically) and the tug of war she sensed between its historic nature and the continent’s need to modernize…
My personal favorite is ‘Here Comes the Sun’. A stunning white, gold and black tableware collection of abstract prints, worthy of any modern art gallery. The prints carry a story within them, all the way from Nour’s visit to Vietnam. The skillful combination of both simplicity and opulence evokes a distinctly contemporary feel to the traditional Vietnamese weaving techniques from which it was inspired.
These plates travel the world to bring conversations and spark joy at dinner tables in homes across the continents. Nour Nimer’s craft is tableware, but it also storytelling in its finest form. “I seek the understanding of diversity through my travels and human interactions, and in turn, try to translate my experiences to my craft.”
Nour Al Nimer’s Nimerology has been heralded as the hero, capable of bringing back modern elegance and excellence to the world of luxury tableware. Her impressive collaborations are a testament to this. ‘An Ode to Scandinavia’ is an exclusive collection designed for House of Today’s third biennial exhibition. ‘Here Comes The Sun’ is an exclusive limited edition collection commissioned by Decorative Arts duo Gabrielle & Guilaume for their fifth edition exhibition in Beirut. As for ‘Zumurud’ it is a limited edition collection that marks Nimerology’s first collaboration with Kuwaiti luxury powerhouse, Marzook.
Nimerology has most recently been featured in The Robb Report, in addition to features in AD Middle East, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Candid and Period Living. It has also been voted one of the top ten best plates by the Independent.
We at CIIN are proud to be temporarily housing the collections at CIIN. Please book a viewing appointment here.
Away from the clichéd Transforming Nour’s intimate experience of a country’s history and culture. “My inspiration comes from my personal journeys and travels” she explains. From there, her photographs, sketches and paintings slowly shape a coherent theme that plays out across each piece.
