Sanctum: At Home with the Uncanny

Explore a unique world of interiors with photographer Mark C. O’Flaherty in "Sanctum: At Home with the Uncanny." This hardcover book delves into spaces that possess an uncanny, evocative beauty, presenting homes that feel as though they predate their current inhabitants and will endure long after. Discover interiors rich with intriguing textures and a palpable sense of history, reinterpreted by those who live within them.

Each home featured tells a story through its objects, where dramatic narratives and unexpected juxtapositions create fantastical conversations. These spaces are more than just residences; they are living museums and studios where new creative work is born. The book emphasizes that true, uncanny beauty cannot be bought but must be fostered, showcasing individuals who display a rare confidence in their contemporary interiors, often without the aid of professional designers.

Drawing inspiration from Junichiro Tanizaki's "In Praise of Shadows," "Sanctum" celebrates the beauty found in flaws and aging. While modernity may be present, it is grounded by the provenance of objects, ranging from memento mori to architectural salvage, antique toys, and items from theatre and fashion that have become part of our collective cultural imagination.

Featuring the homes of notable figures such as Agnès B, Simon Costin, Philip Lim, and Pol Theis, these interiors resonate with a fascination for dilapidated grandeur, bohemian sensibilities, and the allure of the gothic and esoteric.

Key Features:

• Explores unique and uncanny interior spaces.
• Features homes with intriguing textures and a sense of past life.
• Highlights objects with dramatic narratives and fantastical juxtapositions.
• Celebrates confidence and individuality in interior design.
• Inspired by the philosophy of finding beauty in flaws and aging.
• Includes homes of prominent individuals like Agnès B, Simon Costin, Philip Lim, and Pol Theis.
• Taps into fascination with urban exploration, eccentric collectors, and gothic/esoteric aesthetics.

Specifications:

• Brand: Thames & Hudson
• Author: Mark C. O'Flaherty
• Foreword: Luke Edward Hall
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Dimensions: 24.38 x 3.05 x 31.24 cm
• Weight: 2.04 kg
• Release Date: September 10, 2026
• ISBN-10: 0500031029
• ISBN-13: 978-0500031025
• EAN: 9780500031025

"Sanctum: At Home with the Uncanny" offers a captivating journey into interiors that defy convention, celebrating a profound and enduring beauty.