Metalworking design studio Novocastrian launches its inaugural lighting collection, inspired by the industrial design elements of Britain’s railways.
Located in North-East England, a region with an illustrious engineering and shipbuilding heritage, design studio Novocastrian undertakes a wide scope of projects creating collectible furniture, luxury surface materials and now, its first standalone lighting collection. Taking inspiration from the industrial design elements of Britain’s railways, a result of its founder Richy Almond’s many trips between Newcastle and London, the Insulator Collection features intricate, sculptural forms and a combination of hand-finished metals.
With each design machined, assembled and hand-finished in the Tyneside studio, the collection includes pendants, wall sconces and table lamps made from solid brass and pressed glass. Alluding to the recurrent configurations of overhead power lines and the ‘saucer-like’ pin insulators attached to them, the rounded silhouettes contain a soft and sophisticated beauty which pays homage to the design sensibilities of the studio, renowned for its contemporary and luxurious take on industrial design.
Almond, who comes from a lineage of shipbuilders in the region, says a lighting collection was something his clients had been almost demanding for years. “The idea was exciting, and a natural evolution of our offering, but also rife with technical complexity,” he explains. “The first thing we needed to do was to build our knowledge and expertise, ensuring we could design and manufacture the new range to the standards already expected of us. Secondly, as somewhat of an idealist, the range had to be unique and draw on meaningful inspiration for me. The railway became a natural source for inspiration and, after almost three years of intensive development, we are very proud of the results.”
With the collection presenting a versatile aesthetic that can be applied to residential, hospitality and workplace environments, this new venture by Novocastrian is an exciting step in the studio’s progression. Through applying its deep understanding of traditional metalworking techniques, coupled with a respect and appreciation for the materials it works with, the brand continues to elevate and refine the design sector. And, in allowing these age-old crafts to continue forward into a contemporary design world, it results in a narrative which connects to an intergenerational audience as its timeless beauty continues to emanate for years to come.
Images courtesy of Novocastrian.
