Rejecting mass production methods, Norfolk based designer-maker Andrew Cunningham has designed a collection of home accessories created entirely from reclaimed and sustainably managed English and tropical hardwood offcuts that larger companies can’t use.
“Function is a major feature of my designs as well as a clean uncluttered aesthetic,” Andrew tells Design Geek, “I want to promote longevity and a timeless appearance. Contrasting wood species with other materials features heavily to highlight a contemporary form and promote the distinguishing, functional elements.” His environment provides constant inspiration. “Norfolk’s flat barren landscape, endless stretches of beaches and sands help inspire the modern, minimalist clean forms that I produce,” he explains, “but I add a prominently multi-functional identity.”
Initially experimenting with a series of table-top and wall clocks in an oiled natural timber finish or block colour, Andrew has expanded his range to desk and kitchen accessories, as well as lighting. Allowing himself to be guided and informed by the timbers available, enables him to shift focus on a regular basis creating a more thoughtful process and approach.
The first range predominantly features pastel colours with a minimalist aesthetic, and the second range concentrates on the raw material itself and the contrasting relationships between the different woods in each piece. The aesthetic is simple and minimal with a nod to Mid-Century designs, allowing the beauty and honesty of the timber to be celebrated in each piece.
Highlighting the functional elements, Andrew has created a coat rack design with a corkscrew feature, and expanded this into a smaller tabletop lamp, developed over 12 months, and a seasonal addition – a nut-cracker. Each element can be taken apart, for easy transportation and delivery.
Having obtained a Master’s Degree in Industrial Design, Andrew is a classically trained designer-maker. Working from his studio in Norfolk he creates small batch collections to sell online and at local shops.
“It all began for me after university taking an interest in the areas of life I could influence by designing and making, coming up with ideas based on experiences and growing up, over the years buying second hand tools to turn these ideas into objects and growing from there.”
Andrew Cunningham is one of Look Like Love’s ‘One-to Watch’ designers, find out more about her work here
