My pile of interesting things and people, particularly makers, is growing at a frightening pace so I’ve decided this time to group a few makers together by material. It isn’t exhaustive by any means, more of a quick sheep dip of companies using wool as one of the elements in their product mix so here goes. All […]
One-minute blog of interesting things
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As a working contemporary artist I visit many exhibitions and shows, but sometimes it is the things I see that are part of daily life that capture my interest. My one-minute blog of interesting things reflects the fact that although we are increasingly time-poor, there is creativity all around us. Email me at info@carolinebanks.co.uk with your name and email to receive a weekly post that only takes 1 minute to read.
Jake Phipps’ multi-faceted furniture
Jake Phipps is one of the new generation of makers using digital processes to produce startlingly beautiful and meticulously hand-crafted furniture, an exciting development over the past few years as the technology is embraced by craftspeople. The Stellar console and mirror are in super mirror-polished steel, each piece cut and placed to refract the light. […]
Meet My Project in Paris
I’ve already mentioned this exhibition and exhibitors in an earlier post. Here are a few of the other pieces which caught my eye: Elise Hauville showed Manège, a box that opens into multiple smaller boxes like the unfurling petals of a flower. A beautiful and poetic piece demonstrating that not everything needs an obvious function. The thinking behind […]
South Place Hotel, London
As you know, every so often I visit a recently opened London hotel. This time it was South Place, just off Finsbury Square in the City. Owned by D&D with architecture by Allies & Morrison and interior design by Conran + Partners, it has a contemporary style, with great lighting and accessories. I liked the laser […]
The new collections at St Louis crystal
I’m always interested to see heritage brands re-invent themselves for a new generation and here is another example. I have inherited glassware from St Louisand find it a joy to use. The company is constantly pursuing new ways of extending its repertoire and here are a few of the new developments I saw in Paris at […]
View at The Shard, London
As a vertigo sufferer I was a little ambivalent about going up to the top of the Shard, currently the tallest building in Europe but “feel the fear and do it anyway” is one of my mantras so off I went. The day was grey but cold and, more importantly, clear. The 360 degree views are […]
Karimoku New Standard at Maison & Objet
I just had to stop at Karimoku New Standard to admire their highly finished contemporary furniture in washed icecream & acid colours with a mix of Japanese and European influences evident in the shapes. This was their first time at M&O and they tell me they’ve had a great response The company has been established in Japan since 1940 […]
Paris in the snow
Thank goodness I was able to borrow a pair of boots with grips as I was sadly ill-equipped for the snowfall. I thought you’d like to see a few photos whilst on my way to different places. The nearest thing I saw to a snowman in the Jardin des Tuileries
Vitamin at Maison & Objet
I first came across Vitamin lighting at the Clerkenwell Design Festival back in 2011 (see my post from then) and it’s good to see how they’ve developed. The characteristic knotted flex remains for the new lighting and they also showed their Element Vessels. More companies seen at M & O to follow…
Dove Street Pottery from Yorkshire
I find myself returning to ceramics on a regular basis. Perhaps it is the elemental nature of clay and fire? Whatever it is I’m often drawn to the combination of function and aesthetics which I was pleased to learn are the two pillars of David Worsley’s philosophy. His pieces under the name of Dove Street, which […]