illuskate marked the beginning of a new creative direction for Stuart Melrose: one that celebrated collaboration as much as design.
Taking its name from the fusion of illustrate and skate, the project brings together two lifelong passions: skateboarding culture and original illustration. The result is a collection of limited-edition tables that blur the boundaries between furniture, functional design and collectible artwork.
Artists and illustrators from around the world were invited to contribute original artwork, making each table a distinct collaboration between designer and artist.
Inspired by Skateboard Culture
Skateboarding has always played an important role in Stuart’s life. Long before becoming a designer, a skateboard was his primary means of transport, representing freedom, creativity and individuality.
Illuskate draws directly from that cIulture. Each table is manufactured using the layered birch-plywood construction associated with modern skateboard decks, celebrating the honesty and craftsmanship of the material while reimagining it in an entirely different context.
The result carries the spirit of skateboarding without becoming a novelty: furniture equally at home in a contemporary interior, gallery or creative workspace.
Art Built Into the Design
Every Illuskate table begins with original artwork created specifically for the project. Rather than being applied as a surface finish, the artwork is permanently encapsulated beneath a high-performance melamine laminate during manufacture.
This durable surface protects the print during everyday use, ensuring the artwork becomes an integral part of the table rather than something simply added afterwards. Subtle variations in print placement give every edition its own individual character.
The natural birch edges are hand-finished and waxed to reveal the beauty of the layered plywood, while the Stuart Melrose studio logo is die-cut from genuine skateboard grip tape and applied to the underside.
Designed for Everyday Use and Creative Collaboration
Although each Illuskate table is a limited-edition artwork, it was designed to be used. Every piece is individually pressed, CNC-cut, hand-sanded and polished before final assembly in the UK, combining collectability with robust everyday practicality.
Illuskate prototypes have been exhibited at London Design Week, Designersblock, the Royal Festival Hall, Interiors NEC, Pitfield London, the Willis Museum and That Gallery. The project also attracted international design press, including Elle Decoration.
One especially significant piece was donated to the National Youth Arts Trust and raffled by internationally renowned artist Grayson Perry, helping raise funds to support young creative talent.
Dimensions: Length: 83 cm. Width: 39 cm. Height: 34 cm.
Edition: Limited edition of 300 per artwork. Individually numbered. Designed and handcrafted in the UK.
Shout out and biggest Hugs from Stuart!
Thank you so much to the top Artists and friends i collaborated with on his project: Kev Munday, Ed Millsom/Droog79 and Bill Thorpe... Loving yer work!
Shout out and huge skill jealousy!
Thank you so much to all the guys at The XC skatepark for a crazy day and a showcase of your jaw dropping skills..
