Great Design to Last a Lifetime
It’s time to tackle throwaway culture. Not only is it unkind on the planet, this act of buying now and replacing later means the items in your home are never truly cherished. Have you ever spent an afternoon looking through old trinkets & family heirlooms? Whether it’s a piece of jewellery, a family recipe or a bone china dish, even the simplest of items can bring back years of memories: that’s what makes great design so important.
In a bid to live more consciously, we’ve outlined some of our design heroes who focus on well-made, high quality homeware that’s designed to last a lifetime. From fine china tableware to hand-crafted home accessories, these are the pieces that will be loved by generations to come.
Objet d’art by Lalique
Lalique is the ultimate symbol of French luxury. Founded over 130 years ago by Renè Lalique, he started his career in jewellery before discovering a passion for glass. Hailed as one of the great creative forces of French decorative art in the 19th and 20th centuries, Lalique creations are still manufactured in the Alsace area of France to this day, with each piece meticulously crafted by hand. From the initial gathering of the crystal to the final sculpting, each object must pass through several artisans, all of whom are experts in their fields, to achieve the high quality finish Lalique products are renowned for.
Knives by Forge de Laguiole
Let us introduce you to the world’s most revered cutlery brand, Forge de Laguiole. Meticulously made by hand from start to finish, the brand works tirelessly to develop every cutler’s manufacturing skills, ensuring they are in-line with the traditional methods that were first established almost 200 years ago. Every knife takes hours, sometimes even days to complete. From the legendary sharpness of the blade to the spring, bolsters and polishing, each stage of the manufacturing process is undertaken by just one artisan to ensure the utmost in quality control. And only once it has been carefully inspected by several people will it receive the Forge de Laguiole seal of approval.
Tableware by Wedgwood
An iconic English brand with a rich history, Wedgwood has set the benchmark for great tableware since it was founded by Josiah Wedgwood in 1759. Many of the techniques pioneered by Josiah are still used today, with each fine bone china expressive plate requiring thirty six hours of handcraft by four different craftsmen. Many established designers, from Jasper Conran to Vera Wang, have joined forces with Wedgwood over the years. With an eye for contemporary design and a respect for the brand’s rich heritage, these collections draw upon the history of Wedgwood yet fit seamlessly into the modern home.
Kitchenware by MacKenzie-Childs
Since 1983 MacKenzie-Childs have produced one-of-a-kind ceramics in Aurora, New York. Inspired by the beauty of the flowering hills, rolling meadows & crisp air that surrounds their headquarters, they create designs that are alive with individuality. Skilled & talented artisans are involved in each stage of the production process. From the shaping of the clay to the very last hand painted detail, layer upon layer of hand applied artistry is the hallmark of the brand, ensuring no two pieces are the same.