You’re Invited! Dining with Cultural Inspirations: James Dwyer, Creative Director of Lumsden

Imagine hosting a dinner party where every detail – from the enchanting venue to the eclectic guest list – reflects the passions and inspirations that have shaped your creative life and work. In this joyful feature, we step into the mind of James Dwyer, Creative Director at Lumsden, to explore his ultimate dinner party with the people who have influenced him as a designer.

James introduces his dinner party by saying:

As I began planning my dream dinner party, I was overwhelmed by the possibilities. How could I possibly choose from a lifetime of creative influences for just one evening? As I considered the guests and venue, my vision began to take shape—blending grandeur, intimacy, and imagination. My dinner party brings together visionaries who use storytelling and imagination to craft timeless worlds—from literary landscapes to entire film universes. I envision an extraordinary evening where the boundaries of time, space, and creativity dissolve—a gathering of trailblazers and dreamers, each of whom have shaped my perspective on art, design, and culture.

My Party Set Up

Venue

The setting for this extraordinary evening would be the Sir John Soane Museum. By candlelight, its labyrinth of artifacts and architectural marvels—collected throughout Soane’s lifetime—feels suspended in time. It’s a space that encapsulates curiosity, craftsmanship, and history.

Menu

Inspired by Louis XIV’s Versailles banquets, my menu would blend theatre, magic, and innovation. Each course, influenced by my guests, would offer fantastical flavours, surprising amuse-bouchées, edible sculptures, fine wines and cheeses; a multi-sensory voyage that unfolds throughout the evening.

Entertainment

Since it’s my evening, I’d invite surprise guests: Tchaikovsky setting the mood with his haunting musical worlds. Then, Grace Jones would electrify the room with her explosive energy and iconic style, to wake up the party after all that food.

My Guest List

H.G. Wells

Capturing my imagination from a young age, Wells inspired me to envision both impossible and terrifying futures. As the literary futurist behind The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, he predicted worlds shaped by human ingenuity and folly. His visionary work influenced creators like Arthur C. Clarke and reshaped how we think about the future, exploring both its wonders and dangers in ways that continue to inspire.

Stanley Kubrick

I draw inspiration from many filmmakers, but Kubrick’s world-building is unmatched. From the vast, awe-inspiring universe of 2001: A Space Odyssey, where humanity’s relationship with technology and artificial intelligence feels increasingly relevant today, to The Shining’s suffocating tension, where every corner of the Overlook Hotel feels alive, to the lush visual splendour of Barry Lyndon, with each scene resembling a painting. Filmic worlds I love returning to again and again.

Walt Disney

Disney was a pioneer who inspired generations of creators, but his brilliance lay not just in his creativity but in his keen understanding of his audience, sharp business acumen, and relentless tenacity. I’d be fascinated to see Disney reflect on his enduring influence and legacy, and to hear his insights on turning vision into reality, making the impossible possible, and building businesses that are as successful as they are imaginative.

Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I inherited the throne at a young age, thrust into a male-dominated world. She ruled fearlessly, securing her throne and shaping her legacy. Her reign ushered in an era of cultural and artistic brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on history. The Elizabethan period remains one of the UK’s most enduring eras, influencing art, design, exploration and architecture – lasting symbols of innovation that continue to captivate today.

Vivienne Westwood

She didn’t just design clothes—she challenged norms, bringing subversive fashion to the mainstream while making sustainability and activism central to her work. I’ve always admired her rebellious spirit and deep political awareness, pushing the boundaries of art, culture, and fashion. Her commitment to the environment and social justice has made her a powerful voice in advocating for a more sustainable world.

David Bowie

Bowie’s artistry stretched far beyond sound, he forged entire universes through his personas, soundscapes, and bold visuals, creating entire mythologies that continue to resonate with fans today. Beyond his musical genius, Bowie’s magnetic personality and enigmatic presence made him an icon of reinvention and self-expression, evoking deep emotional responses from his audience. His work was more than art; it was a visceral experience that stirred the soul.

James Dwyer, Creative Director at Lumsden

With a career dedicated to crafting world-class visitor experiences, James has helped shape Lumsden into a leading design studio renowned for creating iconic commercial spaces for international brands, museums, and attractions. Lumsden’s work seamlessly blends storytelling, shopping, dining, and entertainment, bringing beloved destinations to life in imaginative and immersive ways.

As a founding member of the studio, James combines creative vision with practical expertise to deliver exceptional results. His impressive portfolio includes projects such as the MoMA stores in New York, the M+ Museum in Hong Kong, the National Theatre in London, and the globally celebrated Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tours in both London and Tokyo. Through his work, James has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the world’s most inspiring cultural and retail experiences.