Laurie Maun is a Hackney-based textile designer and multidisciplinary artist with an exclusive wall art collection at Heal’s. Her abstract approach to motifs, colour and texture stretches across printmaking, drawing, painting and photography.
Within this she focuses on traditional craftsmanship and British materials to create premium home accessories. We caught up with Laurie to find out how lockdown has affected her.
How is lockdown treating you?
So far, okay. Like everyone, I’m having low days and high days but generally I can’t complain. I moved all my stuff from my studio in Dalston to my home in Forest Hill maybe a week or so before the lockdown was announced. I was starting to see a real shift in people’s energy when commuting so thought I’d get ahead of it and set up camp at home.
We are pretty limited to space as I share my one bed apartment with my partner, who is also a creative working from home. So, an extra room wouldn’t go a miss, but other than that I feel very lucky to have what I do. Generally I’ve allowed myself more time to do things I like, things I would usually be “too busy” to do. I’ve been quilting, and reading more and going pretty experimental with my cooking and baking. I think this is what’s kept me going really.
How has lockdown shifted the way you design?
I think where I’m taking my inspiration from has maybe developed. I’m surrounded by trees and nature so my palettes are definitely adapting to their surroundings. More greens, yellows etc. My day to day has also certainly seen a shift as a lot of time is usually spent making and packaging wholesale orders.
But, with the shops being closed my wholesale has stopped and instead I now spend most days painting as the request for commissioned art works has grown massively.
How has your business adapted to social distancing measures?
I’m a bit of a lone ranger day to day so I haven’t experienced a huge shift in what my norm is. But sadly I’ve had to cancel all workshops for the foreseeable future. I attempted to take them online but I don’t think that works so well for my personality. So, I’m still exploring ways I can keep them alive while we’re in lockdown.
How have you stayed motivated when working from home?
Really simple steps like taking a walk in the morning, getting dressed, doing my hair/makeup. Anything that tricks my mind to thinking it’s just another normal day helps. We’ve been spending more time exploring the areas around us which we’d maybe be too busy to normally do. There’s so much woodland on our doorstep which is great for getting lost in. If you squint hard enough you can forget you’re in London.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during lockdown?
I’ve been pickling, fermenting, sourdough bread making and really stepped up my horticulture game. I’ve had an allotment space for a couple of years but have really gone to town this year. I’m growing Aubergines, Squash, Tomatoes, Beetroot, Onions and a whole tonne of flowers. Being able to nip down there at lunch time is really helping my mood especially when the weather’s nice.
What are some of the most inspiring things you’ve seen during this period?
It’s been amazing to see local communities coming together. It’s not something I’ve really experienced since living in London but there’s a real spirit in the air. One of the flats in our block has started their own micro bakery meaning we have fresh pastries and baked goods delivered every weekend.
Another flat has started a little library/book exchange which is really sweet and we also get to help someone who has hit financial difficulty which is a win. I’ve also made some new friends in the area which was completely unexpected. People are talking to each other more and maybe generally just slowing down and appreciating what’s around them.
Like what you see? Shop Laurie Maun.
https://youtu.be/-K9-2jC1iTYLaurie Maun at work during lockdown
[ INSPIRATION ]
Behind the design
For the third instalment in our Designers in Lockdown series, we spoke to London-based designer Magnus Long. He is the brains behind our exclusive Massimo Sofa collection, a design that showcases his love for refined, elegant design. We caught up with Magnus to find out how lockdown has affected him.
How is lockdown treating you?
Like everybody, I found it quite scary at first. We’ve managed to find a new rhythm within our family but our house has become a classroom, a nursey, a workplace and a part-time home. It has been great being able to spend time with together. My two year old can now say “wash your hands” and my four year old is really taking an interest in the design work I’m doing when working from home. But it has also been really frustrating at times not being able to go quite at full speed. Lots of projects have been a bit quiet and it’s only now that things are starting to pick up again.
How has lockdown shifted the way you design?
I’ve been thinking lots about how this could be the breakthrough that means people don’t travel so much to work. My studio is a 10-minute walk from my house so I’m quite lucky in that sense. I’m kind of imagining what it could look like if we have lots of local workplaces. This would mean people not having to work from home but also not having to commute for hours every day.
So what would those spaces look like? What would the design for those spaces be? Maybe they could be on the high street. Maybe we could use empty shops as localised co-working spaces for lots of different people doing lots of different things. I’d really love to see that happening and the design opportunities that arise because of it.
I’m just trying to think about what happens when we all get to the point where we realise that travelling is a waste of money, time and fuel. Maybe we don’t need to do that anymore and at the same time not need to work at home. Maybe there’s a third way that could fill this gap. I’d love to see communities coming back together on the high street again, even if they’re connected globally or nationally.
How has your business adapted to social distancing?
Most of the time it’s just me in the studio and ever since lockdown it’s just been me alone. So that bit has been quite easy to manage. In terms of social distancing it’s really about the travel and not being able to visit factories and trade fairs. Milan was cancelled this year and that’s usually a nice place to see new things that are being launched. So we’ll have to wait until next year to see the major launches that will happen.
How have you stayed motivated when working from home?
I think so much of my work is reliant on other people throughout the design project. From clients to manufacturers, there’s a lot of coordination between so many different people. Obviously lots of these people have gone quiet over the last few months. At moments it has been difficult to stay motivated and that’s the time I’ve taken to think about different things.
But it feels like things are beginning to pick up again. Prototypes have begun being manufactured, for example. It’s just sad not being able to go and see them in the factory and not work as closely with the partners. So it’s a bit different in that respect but I’m sure things are beginning to change and open up again. It does raise the question whether we need to travel as much and if we can do things in different ways.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during lockdown?
I don’t really feel like I’ve had much more time on my hands. Lots of juggling around of other things. I’m really interested in seeing what happens next, how things are going to change, the new normal. What is that going to look like in term of the work-life balance? I’m really interesting to see what the details will be and the restructuring of various aspects of our lives. Then, of course, how we as designers can respond.
What has inspired you most during lockdown?
The first one that comes to mind is 3D-printing PPE. It’s a brilliant use of the technology. Global groups of people working together to use their very localised manufacturing and get PPE to frontline workers quickly has been inspiring to see.
Also, I’ve been inspired by projects that don’t require much investment and are things that everybody can do. For example, Paul Priestman launched a project that involved cutting up an egg box to make a smartphone stand. It’s something everybody can do and everyone can have a go at. The rainbows have been really great. Being able to walk down the street and experience that feeling of being in this together.
Plus, saying thank you to frontline workers and NHS staff. That pulling together of organisations, businesses and communities has been really inspiring. We can do this together.
Like what you see? Shop Magnus Long.
https://youtu.be/gx-D0MJcKTQ
Continuing our ‘Designers on Lockdown’ series, we caught up with Danish design duo, Says Who. Lockdown has been different in every country, and in their native Denmark, Says Who are finding it’s beginning to loosen up.
Read on to discover more about Kasper Meldgaard and Nikolaj Duve’s experience of lockdown in Denmark.
Hi guys, tell us a little bit about yourselves…
Hi, we’re Says Who design, made up of Kasper and Nikolaj. We’re back in the office because here in Denmark the lockdown is quite easy now because everything is opening like schools and shops. So, we’re back in the office as well, where we can actually do a normal day’s work. The team is here as well and we’re happy to be back.
How is lockdown treating you?
Two months ago we went into isolation and since then it has been quite an interesting period. Of course, it was positive in the way that we have had time to focus more on the projects at hand individually. The challenge is that it has been quite a different way to go about making designs. We are a team and working individually has been new for us.
How has lockdown shifted the way you design?
The biggest shift for us in lockdown is that we had to move the whole process from being together in the office to an online experience. We had to adapt to working with video, over the phone and on WhatsApp. So, we could see each other virtually but not physically. That was a breakthrough for us because it showed we can work well together even when not together physically.
How has your business adapted to social distancing?
So, after having been at home for about two months, initially just Kasper and I returned to the office. Gradually the whole team came along as well, so today we are working as a full team at the office. Of course, it’s not the same as it was before. We are still keeping our distance, we are not eating together and we are washing our hands frequently. But the fact we don’t have to wear facemasks makes it a little easier. Wearing facemasks isn’t a requirement in Denmark.
How have you stayed motivated when working from home?
In the beginning it was actually quite challenging to work from home. I would say the motivation was, of course, quite high because we were worried about how this would affect our business. Quite rapidly we set about stabilising our business and finding out which of our clients were still working or not. Then we tried to build from there.
Today, with everyone back in the office things feel normal and we are really enjoying being back. It’s keeping the motivation much higher and really reinforcing the team spirit. We’ve missed hanging out with each other and doing great design.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during lockdown?
Through the lockdown period we have had a lot of time at home and had the pleasure of hand-sketching a lot. It’s a tool we use every day but, whilst balancing kids and family at home, it’s really been a pleasure to sketch everywhere. We’ve sketched in the garden, the living room, the bedroom, everywhere. It’s really just about honing that skill.
What has inspired you most during lockdown?
I would say that one of the most inspiring things that has happened for us is everyone becoming more passionate about their interiors. People have just picked up on the amazing idea of redecorating and refurnishing their homes. They keep asking us “what do you think is cool” or “what should be the next thing I buy”. Because people cannot travel or go to restaurants, they just want to stay at home and make a really nice living or dining room. It’s a huge passion for us because we just love furniture.
Like what you see? Shop Says Who.
Want to find out more? Read Meet the Designer: Says Who.
https://youtu.be/6bUSFs401r0Watch the interview here
Lockdown has affected everyone and all our brands, designers and colleagues have dealt with it differently. We sat down to talk to some of our favourite designers on lockdown and discover how they’ve been coping over the past few months. To begin with, we caught up with textile artist Beatrice Larkin.
Hi Beatrice, tell us a little bit about yourself…
I’m normally based in East London where I design all my fabrics there. Each design is based on my ink and line drawings. Then I work with a mill in Lancashire to get them all woven. There they turn my weaves into throws, cushions and fabrics.
How is lockdown treating you?
I’m usually based in East London but since lockdown I’ve been in Whitstable with my family by the sea. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to spend the time here. It has given me such great headspace.
How has lockdown shifted the way you design?
Lockdown hasn’t really shifted the way I design. In fact, it’s just meant I can design more because I feel like I have so much more time than usual. I’ve suddenly realised how fast-paced my lifestyle was in London. It feels so good to be out of that for the time being, even though I miss my life there too. But, I get to see the sea every day and the last few weeks the weather has been beautiful. It’s the best place I could be right now.
How has your business adapted to social distancing?
Not too much has changed because I work alone anyway and I manage my business on my own. Obviously when I’m shipping anything out I’m conscious of guidelines. But I’m still using couriers and queuing up at the post office from a safe distance so not much has changed.
How have you stayed motivated when working from home?
I’ve been keeping motivated more so than I was in London. I have so many more ideas now and I feel like the headspace has inspired me. There isn’t anything specific that’s inspiring me, just the space to think.
I’ve been designing a lot of new fabrics, thinking of other products to make and new ways to apply my designs. The weaving process is quite a slow one with lots of different parts involved in manufacturing. At the moment, all of these processes are taking a little bit longer.
So, I’m thinking of other ways to create products. For example, I’m looking into print and applying my designs to many different surfaces. I’ve also been getting back into hand-making, hand-drawing and I’ve started lino-cutting. It’s shown me how much I miss hand-weaving and that zen-flow state you get into when working with your hands.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during lockdown?
I’ve actually been spending so much time on my business. But, every day I try to walk along the sea front for an hour or so and listen to a podcast or audio book. I can’t seem to concentrate on reading a book but when I listen to it, I’m addicted. It also means I can listen whilst designing.
What has inspired you most during lockdown?
As I’ve been taking this time to focus on my business, I’ve been watching a lot of webinars. There have been lots of free webinars online that wouldn’t have been available pre-lockdown. They mainly focus on growing your business but also managing your business in these times and how your business can adapt. That’s been really beneficial to me. This time has also given me more direction. You can live such a busy, crazy lifestyle in London and it’s sometimes difficult to get that headspace and clarity. I feel very inspired for where I’m going to take my work in the future. Watch this space.
Like what you see? Shop Beatrice Larkin.
Want to find out more? Read In the studio: Beatrice Larkin.
https://youtu.be/UuE-T5S_EYUWatch the interview with Beatrice Larkin here.
London-based designer Genevieve Bennett is the designer behind our exclusive Deco collection. Her designs draw inspiration from the tradition of decorative arts with the addition of sophisticated technology.
We delved deep to discover more about this contemporary designer and what inspires her.
How did Genevieve Bennett get into design?
Genevieve Bennett’s entry into design came after graduating with a Masters in Printed and Embroidered Textiles at the Royal College of Art. After graduation she worked as a consultant, designing home accessories for brands like Habitat and Wedgwood. It wasn’t until 2008 that she founded her own, eponymously-named studio.
What inspires her work?
Three-dimensional sculptural forms and textural surfaces have a large influence on Bennett’s work. She combines these with cutting-edge techniques and her own distinctive patterns. A love of natural materials drives a large part of Genevieve Bennett’s work.
Her instinctive command of pattern and desire to craft designs that are timelessly elegant define her collections. Bennett is committed to making sure each thoroughly contemporary design is precious, distinctive and long-lasting.
What is her signature style?
Genevieve Bennett is well known for her signature leatherwork designs. She uses this leatherwork to create bespoke artwork, furniture and mirrors. Each of her leather creations is handcrafted in London using only the finest materials.
What is her process when designing patterns?
All of Genevieve Bennett’s designs begin as pencil sketches and draw upon her extensive collection of patterns. This rich pattern archive is the accumulation of over 18 years of travel, research and working abroad. Islamic tile, English Arts and Craft and Art Deco metalwork heavily influence each pattern Bennett designs. Once she has developed a pattern, Bennett refines it through repeat drawing before it enters production.
Genevieve Bennett at Heal’s
Genevieve Bennett is the designer behind our exclusive Knot collection. Composed of lighting, rugs and mirrors, this is the first Heal’s collection to span different product categories. Bennett drew inspiration from the ancient art of knot tying practiced on Samurai armour. Geometric patterns, contrasting materials and intricate finishes define the range. Notably, the Deco Glass Pendant marks Genevieve Bennett’s first foray into lighting design. This stunning light exudes a luxurious, vintage aesthetic with Bennett's signature contemporary twist.
Shop Genevieve Bennett at Heal's
Tom Raffield is the brains behind some of our most popular designs. For example, the Skipper Pendant Light and the Morvah Wall-Hanging Planter. Creating furniture, lighting and home accessories from his base in Cornwall, Tom Raffield’s origins lie in steam bending. Today, his creations break new ground by finding the perfect balance between traditional techniques and modern technologies. So, we dug a little deeper to find out a little more about the contemporary designer.
What makes Tom Raffield designs so special?
The things that we produce can’t be mass produced. It doesn’t matter how many lights or pieces of furniture we’re making, we always make that product the same way. We put the same amount of care and attention into each individual product. It’s made by a craftsperson, by one of us, at our workshop. It’s not been made on a large production line. We want to make sure it’s as good as it possibly can be so it’s going to last a lifetime.
Tell us a little bit about the process of steam-bending
It’s a very low-tech process. We don't use any particularly expensive machinery or sophisticated equipment. It’s all so basic but the thing that makes it special is our belief in doing things in a new way and using the tools in a new way. The outcome is something that’s completely unique.
What do you consider when creating a new design?
For us it’s not just about making a really beautiful product, it’s also about understanding where that product comes from. It’s about understanding the process that made that product as well as the trees that created the wood to make that product. Having such a good understanding of the material and the process ensures there are no restrictions on creativity – knowing that anything can be achieved is extraordinarily liberating.
What does sustainability mean to you and your business?
I truly believe that sustainability should be synonymous with good design, much like quality and function are, and that this is the answer to over-consumption and the environmental challenges we face. It’s fantastic to see consumer expectations changing to recognise this too and I hope sustainable design principles will become more widely adopted by leading designers as time goes on.
What’s your favourite design?
We've done lots of incredible projects spanning over a decade. One of the more recent ones would have to be our house that appeared on Channel 4 Grand Designs in 2016. Similarly, 2018’s Chelsea Flower Show Pavilion had an enormous steam-bent bench which was probably the biggest free-standing structure we've built to date.
Shop Tom Raffield
HEAL'S DISCOVERS
HEAL'S DISCOVERS
Ed Heritage
As part of this season’s Heal’s Discovers initiative, we’re delighted to introduce Ed Heritage, an award-winning UK-based designer whose signature style of clean geometry and playful details is reflected in the beautiful lamp he created.
Discover more
-
Trends & Lifestyle
-
At Heal's
-
Tips & Advice
