Design Icons

Discover the forgotten women of the Arts and Crafts movement

May Morris, Mary Seton Watts, Margaret Macdonald… Well over a century ago, these pioneering women made a huge contribution to the Arts and Crafts movement, yet they were overshadowed by their male contemporaries. Now it’s their time to shine!
more

Behind the brand: Watts 1874

With a museum-standard archive, it’s no surprise that this esteemed heritage textile and wallpaper brand is a favourite with interior decorators. Feature Kara O’Reilly.
more

Mid-century modern furniture designers to know

Pick up a beautiful piece of vintage home-grown, post-war furniture and add sleek lines, solid construction and pleasing design to your home
more

Wedgwood Jasperware: everything you need to know

As collectable now as it was in 1774, here's everything you need to know about Wedgwood Jasperware...
more

Everything you need to know about the iconic String Shelving System

Julian Owen takes a look at how this sleek and stylish system revolutionised book shelving in the 1950s
more

A history of the Chinese ginger jar

Chinese ginger jars are beautiful, elegant and undeniably charming. Here, we explore their rich past
more

A history of the Anglepoise lamp

Based on engineering principles, the early 1930s design of the Anglepoise lamp by George Carwardine was a stroke of genius that revolutionised task lighting. More than eight decades later, his iconic masterpiece continues to inspire the company whose name is revered around the world
more

Everything you (probably) didn't know about mochaware

Once only found in pubs and taverns, in recent years mochaware has risen through the ranks. Sophie Hannam takes a look at the history behind this iconic piece of pottery
more

A history of Mouseman furniture and where to buy

Unearth the history of these classic wooden furniture designs, famous for the little signature mouse carved into every piece...
more

Art nouveau: the history, the designers, the antiques

With elegant female forms and soft curves, the art nouveau era was a period of design excellence
more

History of the Louis Vuitton trunk

Discover the history behind the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk. Feature Sophie Hannam & Velimir Ilic
more

A guide to shield back chairs

Inspired by Inchyra House examples, Janet Gleeson charts the evolution of the elegant shield back chair design
more

The evolution of Isokon furniture

Serena Fokschaner talks to Magnus Englund about the evolution of Jack Pritchard’s plywood furniture
more

A history of the Mora Clock

Everything you need to know about Mora clocks, from their invention to buying one today
more

A history of Constance Spry's mantel vases

Delve in to the history and enduring appeal of Constance Spry's mantel vases. Feature Mel Sherwood
more

A history of Crittall windows

There’s no doubt Crittall is having a moment – and has been for a while. Here's everything you need to know about the brand & its history. Feature Julian Owen
more

A history of Wedgwood

Josiah Wedgwood’s tireless commitment to improvements in pottery, the local economy and social welfare had enduring effects in Staffordshire and beyond
more

The history of Fortnum & Mason

Bolstered by dynamic advertising and no small amount of innovation, it’s little surprise that ‘the world’s most famous cornershop’ is still going strong after more than 300 years
more

A history of the potteries

Improved transport links and advances in mechanisation saw a localised cottage industry join the global marketplace, says Willa Latham
more

A history of the Worcester Porcelain Company

In Worcestershire, it was the search for a healthier drinking vessel that sparked porcelain production, says Willa Latham
more

A history of the Derby Porcelain Factory

Artistic skill and a keen eye for business ensured the continued success of Derby, says Willa Latham
more

A history of the Bow Porcelain Factory

The gritty East End of London was the perfect place to experiment with a new type of porcelain, says Willa Latham
more

A history of the Chelsea porcelain factory

Among the early pioneers of porcelain, Nicholas Sprimont understood the need to stand out, says Willa Latham
more

The history of Moorcroft

As one of the most original British pottery brands celebrates the 150th birthday of its founding father William Moorcroft, we explore the secrets of its longevity
more
This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2023