An artist-led, creative approach and a deep knowledge of historic precedence are at the core of Vaughan’s heritage. Showcasing production techniques such as the art of lost-wax casting, hand-molded glass, fabricated metalwork and slip-cast ceramics, its latest collection places traditional craftsmanship and the finest-quality materials at its heart. New finishes and glazes, sleek technical touches and a harkening to the past further enrich it. Keeping true to the brand’s roots, the new product introductions draw on the highly influential Arts and Crafts movement and midcentury aesthetic, all while nodding to Vaughan’s hallowed legacy.
In conversation with Business of Home, Vaughan CEO Beth Blakeman-Shead discusses the materiality of the new designs and the influences that informed them
What’s the inspiration behind the new collection?
We wanted to celebrate the craftsmanship that goes into our collections. The inspiration is the Arts and Crafts movement, which is about bringing durable, beautifully designed, decorative pieces into the home.
What was the starting point for this collection?
We’ve had a number of these lights in development for a long time; it can take two to three years to develop and produce a new design, to get it right. We began with the candlestick table lamps—Hayling, Shilton and Bedwyn—and built out the collection from there.
How does this collection push the brand forward?
The collection is about building on our heritage and celebrating the quality of the materials and the hand of the maker. This is shown in the cast brass on the Wimbourne lantern and the hand-carved mold used for the solid brass Edington table lamp. The Bedwyn table lamp is crafted by lost-wax casting, which is a special art form and technique.
How does the collection build on or complement Vaughan’s other offerings?
We listen to our customers, and in response to their feedback have brought in elements like the new outdoor bracket, which means they can now wall-mount exterior lanterns such as the Bentworth.
What about the collection feels fresh and exciting?
New finishes bring something fresh to the collection, as seen in the nickel on the Hayling table lamp and the antiqued brass on the Shilton table lamp.
What piece are you most excited to unveil?
The engineering in the Tangley floor lamp is quite thrilling, with a rise-and-fall double stem. My personal favorite is the Fernhurst globe, with its gilt detailing and grand scale.
Tell us about the materials in this collection. Are there certain materials used throughout, and/or a material that is a highlight on a particular piece?
In terms of materials, sustainability is something we are proud of. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure high standards, with the goal of reducing, reusing and recycling to minimize impact on the environment; 90 percent of our overall collection is made from recyclable materials such as solid brass, glass and ceramics, and is designed to last for generations.
Can the collection be customized? What kind of options are possible?
While we make recommendations for lampshades, all of them can be customized. I like to think that is where clients can have fun and express their own individual taste and personality!
How do you envision designers using this collection?
Interior designers use Vaughan in so many applications, including residential and hospitality and both inside and outdoors. Our new designs offer opportunities for a wide range of aesthetics, and we are always excited to see how our clients use them in ways we may have never imagined!
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