All this week Mad About The House is celebrating the Best of British Design. There is so much to choose from that this post could go on for ever, but here is a little highlight for you. Do add your own suggestions below.
LEE BROOM
Crystal Bulb
Broom launched his first solo show at Milan this year, marking his fifth anniversary. His pieces have quickly become modern classics – simple designs with witty touches such as the neon and club chairs www.leebroom.com/products/ . The decanter chandeliers were another classic example of his style and Broom has just released a crystal lightbulb which retains his signature style but is much more affordable. I fancy one for my bedroom.
PINCH DESIGN
Contore Bench
Founded in 2004, the multi-award winning Pinch Design is a collaboration between husband and wife team RussellPinch and Oona Bannon (no I don’t know why she didn’t manage to get her name over the door either). Their pieces are handmade to order using local materials wherever possible and often tailoring to bespoke requirements. The couple also design for SCP, Conran and Jamie Oliver’s JME range.
KAY + STEMMER
Flow nest of tables
Andrea Stemmer and Sarah Kay studed at Packham College in Dorset (not at the same time) and first collaborated in 2000 when they were asked to design a range of furniture for the luxury hotel Cowley Manor. This was followed by a number of commissions. They now collaborate with both Heals and SCP as well as carrying out private commissions. Their Flow range for Heals is one of my favourites and regarded by many as a modern classic.
DONNA WILSON
Eadie Armchair
Wilson graduated in 2003 and had a sell out show at the Royal of Art and first became known for her quirky knitted characters. She has since gone on to create a range of furniture for SCP as well as keeping her trademark wit in a range of ceramic designs. For more of her work and to buy online visit her at www.donnawilson.com
ANDY MURRAY
Shelves
Based in Glasgow, Murray has won both first prize at the D&D Awards (a bit like the Oscars for design) as well as the John Logie Baird Innovator of the Year Award. Renowned for pushing boundaries of both modern and traditional materials, the shelves above are a metal version of his popular wooden Sea Defence piece. But I have to say, this is one of my favourites:
PIERS SAXBY CANDY
Jelly Table Lamp
Graduating with a degree in Fine Art Sculpture, Saxe Candy spent some time assisting Sir Anthony Caro in his studio before moving to Brighton to set up his own studio. He specialises in traditional lighting with a modern twist and works by sourcing old components and regenerating them into contemporary designs.
BETHAN GRAY
Carve
Gray most recently exhibited a range of these fabulous tables at Clerkenwell Design Week 2012. They are based on the traditional three legged stools which were designed to counter uneven slate floors. After winning the New Designers Award in 1998, she spent ten years at Habitat, where she became head of furniture before leaving to set up her own studio. Her pieces are simple and elegant and her Noah range is available from John Lewis.
