Today marks what would have been the 111th birthday of one of Japan’s most celebrated designers, Isamu Noguchi.
Working across multiple fields including sculpture, painting, industrial and landscape design, many of his designs remain mainstays of modern interiors thanks to their timeless mix of Japanese minimalism and Mid-century form.
Despite being first developed in 1939, we find that the Noguchi table, arguably his most iconic piece, provides the perfect sculptural design to finish your living room. Pair alongside the warm glow of an Akari paper lamp to add stylish, zen to your space.
All that’s left to say is a big tanjoubi omedetou (that’s happy birthday to you and me) to Isamu from everyone at Heal’s!
Portrait photo courtesy of Isamu Noguchi Museum.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Behind the design
Now in its eleventh year, Heal’s Discovers provides a unique showcase to exciting, emerging design talent. This year’s bumper crop is no exception with a host of unique designs to suit every aspect of the home.
While visitors to Heal’s will have seen the designs on display, we thought it would be a good idea to get to know the creatives behind each entry. For the first in our series of catch-ups, we sat down with the man behind the Span furniture range, Jonathan Lane Smith, to talk about his exclusive collection for Heal’s Discovers as well as his journey from sculptor to designer.
How would you describe your style of design?
My approach is different for each project, but I tend to combine simple geometry with pared back forms all the while responding to the nature of the material being used.
What was the catalyst for your career in design?
I originally started out training in sculpture but changed to product and furniture design as it was a better fit for me. The main thing that drove me to move into furniture was working for a family in West Australia, I was making vast tables from wood used to support the mines and I just loved the process.
How would you describe a typical working day?
I work in a studio in Holloway, North London so my day usually starts there. Every day is different, but mainly consists of talking to suppliers and clients, doing drawings, developing new work with prototyping and models, making sure orders are running smoothly, trying to get new orders and of course admin!
What was the inspiration for your first collection for Heal’s?
The Span originates from a private commission, which was based on a frame from a regency period double pedestal table. From there the design evolved and has been adapted further to suit modern production methods and functionality. This latest design reinterprets the traditional look of a regency table into a light, angular form.
The oak and walnut versions have a natural, classic feel to them. A scorched ash version was also selected to offer something that would stand out more. The glass top versions were used to really make a feature out of the table frame.
How important do think projects such as Heal’s Discovers are to showcasing new talent?
Very. Any opportunities like Heals Discovers are a really great way of getting work out there, so it’s great to see so many designers using it as a springboard to a career in the creative industries.
Jonathan's modern furniture range is available in store at Tottenham Court Road or online.
Working from her studio in Dalston, East London, Jo Davies produces stunning ceramics with an opulent tinge. One of the latest designers to contribute to our ever expanding roster of Heal’s Collectables, we got in touch with Jo to discuss her handmade approach to design.
Tell us about your design process, how do you get started?
There are a few different starting points, but usually I begin with the simple concept of fulfilling a particular function. Following this, the process of working with clay has a major influence on the forms that will be made.
By playing with scale I am able to change the perception of the function. My process is different to many designers because I physically make each stage of my thought process, basically forgoing paper and pencil for clay and my wheel.
I would argue that my way is just as quick if not a little more effective as a visualisation tool because I can see the object in the round. I may keep the ‘sketches’ I have made, taking them through to fired ceramic or I may simply recycle the clay and use it again on another day.
Do you have a design hero that influences your work?
No one person is my design hero, I have many people I respect within the design and craft community, but I do tend to go through phases of hero-worship.
How did you get involved with Heal’s?
Initially through an exhibition during London Design Festival in 2014 when I was approached by Heal’s, I then ended up showing some pieces in the Modern Craft Market earlier this year.
What would you dream brief be?
To create an installation of vessels, large and small, for an incredible space like the National Trust’s Ham House in South West London or even a gallery setting like the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art in Japan.
The simplicity of my work and, to be specific, its monochromatic qualities make it easy to incorporate within many spaces, particularly against a backdrop like Ham House. Jo’s exclusive range of designs for Heal’s Collectables can be found on display within the homewares department of our Tottenham Court Road store.
Jo will also be hosting an exclusive workshop in December where you can make your very on porcelain tealight.
When we first heard news of The World of Charles and Ray Eames, it’s safe to say we were somewhat excited. So after months of anticipation, how did the Barbican’s new blockbuster exhibition fare?
Whether you’re an expert in all things Mid-century Modern or new to the designers work, visitors will not be disappointed by the sheer breadth and range of this retrospective show.
Delving deep into the Eames family archive, this exhibition captures the duos playful approach to design by displaying key pieces of furniture alongside personal letters, photographs, drawings, models, and multi-media installations.
Borrowing the pre-fabricated aesthetic of the Eames House (aka Case Study #8) to great effect, the Mid-century displays look at home within the Barbican’s Brutalist architecture.
Plenty of space is given to iconic designs such as the , ETR Table and ESU Shelving, while a whole room is dedicated to the designer’s ground-breaking series of fibreglass chairs (the DSW, DAR and RAR to name a few) all of which take pride of place within our designer collections.
To give an insight into the process behind their creation, each piece is accompanied by sketches, photographs and videos that help to tell the story of a career spanning over four decades.
Prototypes also reveal the designers experimental approach to materials, with moulded plywood forms and unusual leg splints that look more like contemporary sculpture than 1940s industrial design. Having shaped contemporary design of the period, the work of Charles and Ray Eames continues to have an enduring influence on the way we live today.
A must see for anyone with an interest in interiors, we can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than losing yourself in this exhibition followed by a trip to Heal’s to test your favourite Eames designs.
Throughout our long history, Heal’s has taken great care to source the finest quality timbers. Yet nothing could quite prepare us for the magnitude that was the Kauri.
Carved from prehistoric trees that are native to New Zealand, each piece has been perfectly preserved under peat swamps for 50,000 years before being lovingly carved into a one-off dining table.
While similar species can be found throughout South East Asia, what makes the Kauri so rare is its age and the extraordinary condition of the timber. To source these trees, engineers rely on the same process used for ore extraction before dating each piece at the University of Waikato via the Carbon 14 method.
Having fallen as a result of earthquakes and natural events roughly 50 millennia ago, the thick swamps of northern New Zealand have ensured each tree has remained untouched by decay or fossilisation.
This makes the material as workable as freshly cut wood, with Riva 1920’s artisan craftsmen carving the timber to reveal the amber glow of the grain while maintaining its natural knots.
Taking pride of place in our Tottenham Court Road showroom, the Kauri is a modern museum piece made for the home. Come see its golden grain today and be transported back in time.
Join us as we take a trip through the mind of internationally renowned designer Tom Dixon. Hosted by Becky Sunshine of The Pool, the evening will provide a unique insight into the inspirations and processes behind his most iconic projects plus new collections.
A self-taught craftsman, Tom Dixon has risen to become one of the world’s most celebrated furniture, lighting and interior designers.
His unexpected combination of industrial forms and opulent metallic finishes have long been a hit at Heal’s, and we can’t wait to welcome him back to our Tottenham Court Road store.
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.
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