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Porta Romana
Spring
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The new collection has a wild and fantastical feel to it. With designs that transport you to another world, the new collection combines organic forms with an element of escapism. New models, concepts and colorways come together to form a range of unique and artistic Porta Romana pieces.

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BOH caught up with Andrew Hills, the owner and creative director of Porta Romana, to discuss the inspiration behind the brand’s latest introductions, which takes its cues from the natural world, boasting earthy hues and organic shapes.
 

What’s the inspiration behind the new collection?
The new collection is characterized by its wild and fantastical feel, formed by eccentric and artistic designs that transport you to another world. The pieces in the collection are largely inspired by a sense of escapism, combined with our distinctive approach to design.

What was the starting point for this collection?
The pieces take much of their inspiration from the natural world, as well as from artists, sculptors and designers, such as Diego Giacometti and Eduardo Chillida. We wanted to look at the beautiful forms, interesting characters and unique textures found in the wild—while paying homage to some of the makers and artists that inspire us most.  

The Clam Shell pieces are some of the most exciting pieces in the new collection. With grooves evocative of Botticelli’s hair and curves that echo water, the Clam Shell mirror and wall light capture the wild, whimsical feel of the collection. The Etienne lantern is another standout piece. It hangs from the ceiling like a small-scale illuminated sculpture, with a charming bird perching on its ledge as if it could fly off at any second.

How do you feel this collection pushes the brand forward?
This collection continues to combine elements of classical-based design with a contemporary, forward-thinking approach. As with all Porta Romana collections, each piece in the new line has its own identity, however, this collection has a unique focus on character. With a palette of natural hues and an attention to textural surfaces, the collection demonstrates our ever-present appreciation of nature. 

How does the collection build on or complement your other offerings?
The new designs are part of a rich heritage of creativity, decoration and inspiration from the natural world, and as such, all of our pieces are instantly identifiable as Porta Romana designs. Popular pieces have been rescaled, transformed into other pieces, or given new colorways to complement existing pieces. 

What about the collection feels fresh and exciting?
We have focused on pushing the limits of what can be achieved in design through glass-blowing, ceramics, forging, glazing and finishing. Each new piece adds an exciting dimension to an interior, from the ethereal Large Ophelia that emerges from the wall as a piece of art, to the new glass patterning on the Vespa lamp.

Tell us about the materials in this collection.
The new colorways for this collection extend the potential for our existing designs, from the Red Magma of the Baobab to the new Verdigris finish. The Verdigris finish is unique to any finish we have produced before. Compelling in texture and patination, this finish was imagined, developed and applied in the Porta Romana workshop. Incorporating the distinctive green hues of the Verdigris pigment, this finish has a similar sense of grandeur to a bronze sculpture, while evoking findings from antiquity.

How do you envision designers using this collection?
Porta Romana pieces exist as punctuation marks in an interior, tying schemes together and enhancing other elements of the setting. Designs such the Etienne lantern and the Clam Shell mirror create a focal point for designers to work around and build upon.

Can the collection be customized?
Every painted Porta Romana piece is available in any custom finish. Interior designers and customers can choose from many finishes, or come to us with a specific color reference to create a piece unique to their interior. Many other pieces are also available in a range of finishes and colorways, from the dual tones of glass on the Vespa, to the Tan and Chocolate leather that wraps its way around the stem of the Huxley. 

Any special memories or experiences working on this?
The collection marked the beginning of our experimentation in 3D printing. This has extended the possibilities of concept and design, allowing us to push forward and make our designers’ and makers’ visions a reality. The small bird that sits in the Etienne lantern was our first instance of 3D printing, and has since influenced our ideas and approaches to future collections.

Verdigris lamps from the new collection.
Verdigris lamps from the new collection.
One of the standout pieces of the collection, the Vespa comes in Mustard, Mauve or Moth. Taking its name from the Italian word for wasp, the characterful markings of the Vespa capture the wild and fantastical feel of the collection.
One of the standout pieces of the collection, the Vespa comes in Mustard, Mauve or Moth. Taking its name from the Italian word for wasp, the characterful markings of the Vespa capture the wild and fantastical feel of the collection.
The Toucan wall light is eccentric, charismatic and eclectic. Capturing an element of escapism that permeates the collection, the playful Toucan is designed to introduce a fantastical feel to any setting.
The Toucan wall light is eccentric, charismatic and eclectic. Capturing an element of escapism that permeates the collection, the playful Toucan is designed to introduce a fantastical feel to any setting.
Vespa in Moth, Bouble in Caramel and Large Husk in Tortoiseshell
Vespa in Moth, Bouble in Caramel and Large Husk in Tortoiseshell
The Clam Shell pieces are one of the standout pieces of the collection. With grooves evocative of Botticelli’s hair and rolling curves that capture the wild spirit of the natural world, the Clam finish is both characterful and eye-catching, while following a classical form.
The Clam Shell pieces are one of the standout pieces of the collection. With grooves evocative of Botticelli’s hair and rolling curves that capture the wild spirit of the natural world, the Clam finish is both characterful and eye-catching, while following a classical form.
The soft triangular shape of the Allegra Bulkhead creates a unique ceiling light. Made out of solid brass and with a textured surface pattern, the Allegra Bulkhead epitomises the organic feel of the collection.
The soft triangular shape of the Allegra Bulkhead creates a unique ceiling light. Made out of solid brass and with a textured surface pattern, the Allegra Bulkhead epitomises the organic feel of the collection.
The Huxley family follows the success of the Holden collection of cane wrapped lamps. The leather used on the Huxley is produced using plant-based materials and environmentally conscious techniques. The Huxley comes in either Tan Leather of Chocolate Leather with a Brass or Antiqued Brass base.
The Huxley family follows the success of the Holden collection of cane wrapped lamps. The leather used on the Huxley is produced using plant-based materials and environmentally conscious techniques. The Huxley comes in either Tan Leather of Chocolate Leather with a Brass or Antiqued Brass base.
This stunning wall light is more traditionally styled and is given a contemporary feel by the use of the 5″ Tall Empire shades. The Beatrice has had some slight changes to its design and is now available in Verdigris, giving the wall light a cleaner and more up-to-date feel.
This stunning wall light is more traditionally styled and is given a contemporary feel by the use of the 5″ Tall Empire shades. The Beatrice has had some slight changes to its design and is now available in Verdigris, giving the wall light a cleaner and more up-to-date feel.
The Vespa comes in Mustard, Mauve or Moth. Taking its name from the Italian word for wasp, the characterful markings of the Vespa capture the wild and fantastical feel of the collection.
The Vespa comes in Mustard, Mauve or Moth. Taking its name from the Italian word for wasp, the characterful markings of the Vespa capture the wild and fantastical feel of the collection.
Conrad, Dylan and Dougal in Plaster White.
Conrad, Dylan and Dougal in Plaster White.
The Huxley flexible wall light is an adjustable bedside lighting solution. The leather on the Huxley hugs the arm of this wall light as it moves and sets to different angles.
The Huxley flexible wall light is an adjustable bedside lighting solution. The leather on the Huxley hugs the arm of this wall light as it moves and sets to different angles.
The Huxley floor lamp comes as a sister piece to the Huxley table lamp. The leather used on the Huxley is produced using plant-based materials and environmentally conscious techniques. The Huxley comes in Chocolate Leather with a Brass or Antiqued Brass base.
The Huxley floor lamp comes as a sister piece to the Huxley table lamp. The leather used on the Huxley is produced using plant-based materials and environmentally conscious techniques. The Huxley comes in Chocolate Leather with a Brass or Antiqued Brass base.
The Agnes was originally created as a standalone sculpture before it was adapted into a lamp base. With a form evocative of the work of Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida, the new Bronzé finish creates an intriguing patination that highlights the smooth curves of the piece.
The Agnes was originally created as a standalone sculpture before it was adapted into a lamp base. With a form evocative of the work of Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida, the new Bronzé finish creates an intriguing patination that highlights the smooth curves of the piece.
The Etienne Lantern takes much of its inspiration from the designs of Diego Giacometti. The abstracted bird is lit from below as if it could fly off at any second. The Etienne has been finished in a new Verdigris effect, echoing the hand-crafted textures created by Giacometti.
The Etienne Lantern takes much of its inspiration from the designs of Diego Giacometti. The abstracted bird is lit from below as if it could fly off at any second. The Etienne has been finished in a new Verdigris effect, echoing the hand-crafted textures created by Giacometti.
Small, attention-grabbing and cute, the Auden lamp is formed of blown glass and patinated brass. Each Auden lamp has its own character, formed by the artistry of the glass blowing technique. The lamp’s dotted surface is both playful and decorative, resembling the paintings of Yayoi Kusama.
Small, attention-grabbing and cute, the Auden lamp is formed of blown glass and patinated brass. Each Auden lamp has its own character, formed by the artistry of the glass blowing technique. The lamp’s dotted surface is both playful and decorative, resembling the paintings of Yayoi Kusama.
The vibrant and fiery Red Magma finish is new to the Baobab lamp, and perfectly complements the natural palette of decorative and lustrous glazes. Inspired by the form and texture of a Bajan seed pod, each Baobab takes on a life of its own. The alchemy of firing ensures that no two Baobabs will ever be identical.
The vibrant and fiery Red Magma finish is new to the Baobab lamp, and perfectly complements the natural palette of decorative and lustrous glazes. Inspired by the form and texture of a Bajan seed pod, each Baobab takes on a life of its own. The alchemy of firing ensures that no two Baobabs will ever be identical.
The Chawton pendant is an elegant and timeless ceiling light. Fitted with a patinated brass uplighter, the Chawton emits a soft golden glow onto the ceiling above. This piece is hand patinated in a variety of brass finishes, making each Chawton individual.
The Chawton pendant is an elegant and timeless ceiling light. Fitted with a patinated brass uplighter, the Chawton emits a soft golden glow onto the ceiling above. This piece is hand patinated in a variety of brass finishes, making each Chawton individual.
The Conrad was one of the first pieces Dylan Bowen designed for Porta Romana. Its original monochromatic Plaster White and Black finishes have now been joined by the new Butterscotch and Fern colorways. Both these new glazes give the Conrad a new identity in the way they crackle and fall into the grooves of the piece, capturing the organic feel of the new collection.
The Conrad was one of the first pieces Dylan Bowen designed for Porta Romana. Its original monochromatic Plaster White and Black finishes have now been joined by the new Butterscotch and Fern colorways. Both these new glazes give the Conrad a new identity in the way they crackle and fall into the grooves of the piece, capturing the organic feel of the new collection.
The Clam Shell mirror and Selina console table.
The Clam Shell mirror and Selina console table.
The Huxley gently extends from the wall and is also available as a flexible lighting solution.
The Huxley gently extends from the wall and is also available as a flexible lighting solution.
The Reuben is a small-scale piece, making it a usable mirror in pairs or even in a series of three. With its simple brass frame and its elegant oval shape, the Reuben mirror would work in a range of settings, from a dressing room to a cloak room, to a bathroom.
The Reuben is a small-scale piece, making it a usable mirror in pairs or even in a series of three. With its simple brass frame and its elegant oval shape, the Reuben mirror would work in a range of settings, from a dressing room to a cloak room, to a bathroom.
The younger sibling to the Compton chandelier, the Small Compton has been scaled down for the new collection.
The younger sibling to the Compton chandelier, the Small Compton has been scaled down for the new collection.
The ever-popular Neptune chandelier is now available in a smaller size. Still with its simple character very much intact, the Small Neptune is formed of a framework of linear struts and works perfectly in smaller areas with limited headroom.
The ever-popular Neptune chandelier is now available in a smaller size. Still with its simple character very much intact, the Small Neptune is formed of a framework of linear struts and works perfectly in smaller areas with limited headroom.
For more information about this collection, please contact Porta Romana at sales@portaromana.com, or at 00 44 (0)1420 23005.