A neon sign hangs over the doorway of Russell Tovey’s warehouse apartment. Made by British artist Tracey Emin, it proclaims “More Passion.” For many of us, it would be a call to action, but it’s hard to imagine Tovey living any more passionately than he does now. He brings commitment and energy to most every strand of his life, whether that’s as an art-world podcaster, an apartment remodeler, a gym bunny, or a dog dad to his French bulldog, Rocky. Above all, he’s an actor who first made his name in The History Boys and is currently starring in the BBC’s compelling near-future drama Years and Years. In 2020, he’ll be returning to Broadway in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? “I’m very character-driven; I think I’ve always loved pretending to be other people,” Tovey explains.
Tovey sits with his sidekick Rocky at the Holborn dining table by e15, which he has mixed with two vintage oak stools from the Peanut Vendor and midcentury chairs that he has collected from a variety of places over the years and had upholstered in a in a selection of Kvadrat fabrics in different colors. In the background is a wooden bench by iconic French designer Charlotte Perriand. Behind him hangs a painting by Matt Connors, next to a sculpture by Rebecca Warren.
Five years ago, Tovey was living in London’s Soho when he chanced upon an apartment for sale over in Shoreditch. “I loved the area; it’s vibrant but chilled, and when I walked in I could just see myself living here.” This loftlike space is, by London standards, vast—one huge main room with a kitchen; two bedrooms and bathrooms; dressing room and laundry all leading off it. The warehouse block was originally built in the 1880s and once stored the textiles collections of the British Museum. Tovey was instantly drawn to the sense of space, the light, and, as an avid art collector, the enormous walls.
Yet once he and his art were installed, friends said it was too cold and clinical—just a gallery space with a couch. “I said, ‘But that’s great, right?’ and they told me ‘Not really, Russell, no!’” he recalls. But Tovey has a highly developed visual sense, and knew he could go it alone, without the help of an interior designer. From childhood, he has closed his eyes and wandered around his dream home, planning every detail. Even now, when he’s away, he’ll project himself back here and contemplate tweaks and updates. This gift, combined with the advice of style-savvy friends and the all-important ingredients of time and patience, meant that he was happy to let the place simply evolve. Which is exactly what has happened over the five years since he came here.
The bedroom looks onto a tranquil courtyard at the rear of the building. The bed is another piece by Tovey’s favorite furniture designer Matthew Hilton. Above it hangs a Zeppelin light by Marcel Wanders. Tovey had the midcentury chair reupholstered in a Raf Simons for Kvadrat fabric, while the vintage light is from Shoreditch store Atomic Antiques. The work above the table and chair is by New York painter Loie Hollowell.
