The Stockbridge collection draws inspiration from a historic Hampshire village with roots dating to 13th century England. Ancient terrain influences the natural aesthetic of the assortment. Combining antique inspiration with contemporary design, this new range reflects Vaughan’s forward-thinking and pared-down approach. Vaughan is one of Britain’s most eminent brands, specializing in the design and manufacture of decorative lighting, furniture and textiles. Founded by artist-designers Lucy and Michael Vaughan in 1983 and renowned for high-quality materials, exceptional craftsmanship and timeless style, it is globally recognized as one of the world’s leading producers of luxury lighting.
In conversation with Business of Home, Lucy Vaughan, chairman and co-founder of the company, discusses the traditional references, artisanal techniques and intriguing textures that distinguish the designs of the new Stockbridge collection.
What’s the inspiration behind the new collection?
Inspiration for the Stockbridge collection sprang from nature, as it often does in our design process. Stockbridge is a village in Hampshire, England, near Vaughan’s headquarters. It has historic precedence, as the Stockbridge Down is part of the National Trust; and the land itself consists of chalky hills, open spaces, woodlands and wildlife. The new collection draws on that inspiration through the lens of how we have approached the elements of scale, finishes and craftsmanship.
What was the starting point for this collection?
There are a few jumping-off points, as the collection is quite large and varied—almost consisting of smaller collections within the whole. However, the Kimmeridge chandelier is the product we were quite compelled to work on. It is based on an original 1970s Italian design we found. Carefully pressed steel leaves are hand-painted in a distressed green finish. The acorn details are gilded, giving the chandelier another level of expert craftsmanship.
What piece were you most excited to unveil?
Within the Stockbridge collection are a group of lights featuring a hand-painted, rust-effect finish that has a texture and depth that plays differently on each design. For instance, the Rye chandelier has graceful, curved details, and this finish gives it the patina of 19th century design. In contrast, the Milland table lamp and Corfe chandelier take inspiration from midcentury aesthetics: Their sculpted features are both accentuated and softened by the rust effect.
How do you feel this collection pushes the brand forward?
The Stockbridge collection is eclectic, offering different styles and points of view for a variety of interiors. The vibrant orange of the Westbourne table lamp’s crackle-glazed ceramic base provides a fun pop of color that may be called for in a specific design scheme, whereas the Midhurst reading light is sleek and functional. The new mirrors and table round out the options.
How does the collection build on or complement your other offerings?
There is a good balance of brand-new products and classic Vaughan pieces reimagined in new sizes and finishes. Presenting new designs is always exciting, but making new options in existing ones is also worthwhile work. The new, smaller, six-light version of the Compiegne Leaf chandelier, for example, or the larger Selbourne mirror expand the design possibilities for both items, while the distressed green-painted finish on our Anjou chandelier gives it a different nuance.
What about the collection feels fresh and exciting?
The Langley ceiling light was influenced by a 1950s French design. It was reworked in brass with an alabaster shade. It feels very current and fresh while still maintaining a certain classical gravitas because of the quality of the hand-polished, unlacquered brass and the hand-finished alabaster. We love installing these in multiples down a hallway for a dramatic effect!
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?
We always source the finest materials from around the world, and the Stockbridge collection is no exception. Slip-cast earthenware and delicate crackle glazes on ceramics, solid cast brass, bronze and painted-rust finishes, and antiqued mirror all stand out as unique to Vaughan.
