Signify Joins Sustainable Ventures to Accelerate Net-Zero Solution
(UK) - Global lighting company Signify, has joined Sustainable Ventures as a corporate partner in a move aimed at supporting the development and adoption of climate-tech solutions across the UK.
As part of the partnership, Signify will integrate its connected lighting technology into Sustainable Ventures’ workspaces nationwide. The organisations say the installations will serve as examples of how smart lighting can contribute to energy efficiency and the UK’s wider ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
The agreement will also see Signify work with Sustainable Ventures on a range of innovation programmes, sharing industry expertise and exploring opportunities for joint development in areas including decarbonisation, net-zero planning, intelligent buildings, circularity, and digital energy management.
Signify will also join Sustainable Ventures' workspace community, gaining access to their hubs across the country, which are designed to embody One Planet Living principles. Powered by renewable energy and built with circular principles and a sustainability-first design, these spaces provide an environment that reflects and reinforces the values driving the climate tech community, as well as Signify's commitment to sustainability.
"The climate-tech sector is growing at an exciting pace, and we at Signify are proud to support that momentum by joining Sustainable Ventures,” says Nico van der Merwe, CEO, Signify UKI.
“Collaborating with pioneering innovators who are part of Sustainable Ventures will enable us to amplify our impact across industries. Lighting plays a pivotal role in driving energy savings and enabling smarter, more efficient buildings. Our membership reinforces our commitment to advancing technologies that support decarbonisation, improve energy efficiency, and accelerate meaningful climate action on the path to a low-carbon future." says Nico van der Merwe, CEO, Signify UKI.
Simon Brown, Partner, Corporate Innovation, Sustainable Ventures, adds: "We are thrilled to welcome Signify to our climate tech community. The lighting solutions that Signify have retrofitted into our unique London workspace at County Hall are truly fantastic and tell the story of what's possible when retrofitting sustainable lighting solutions into a Grade II listed building.
“But what I am most excited about is extending this collaboration into our broader ecosystem, where we can connect Signify's expertise with our 1,000+ startups and other key partners. This integrated support model is what truly accelerates the deployment of commercial innovation needed to drive net-zero solutions at scale."
Beidou - BACH by CDN Light
BACH is honoured to introduce its inaugural remote-controlled lighting collection, Beidou. This series employs the proprietary ‘BDS’ control system, which enables users can easily identify and control each light. The system utilises the Zigbee communication protocol and can theoretically control over a thousand interfaces, working particularly reliably and accurately with control of around 100 spotlights. This motorised luminaire integrates patented “Fermat” optical technology with the precision ‘E3’ transmission architecture. This fusion technology pioneers the transformation of optical systems from static to dynamic, comprehensively redefining the efficacy and experiential standards of premium spatial illumination.
LiGHT Expo London marks its most design-driven edition
(UK) - The highly anticipated LiGHT Expo London returned for its fourth consecutive and increasingly successful year. As the UK’s only dedicated high-end lighting exhibition, LiGHT 25 once again welcomed thousands of visitors to the Business Design Centre in London. Over two days, the 19th and 20th November, the exhibition centre was transformed into a creative and collaborative hub.
A record number of more than 6,700 visitors braved the cold weather to attend this year’s show, demonstrating their unwavering support. LiGHT 25 brought together thousands of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, engineers, and specifiers, alongside hundreds of leading architectural and decorative lighting brands. Visitors attended inspiring talks and presentations from over 60 speakers, all while making new industry connections through creatively curated networking opportunities.
This year’s Decorative Zone proved one of the most talked-about elements, welcoming many new big-name brands to the zone, such as Italamp, Industville, Vibia and Lumen Loom. A special VIP Design Tour welcomed 23 leading interior design studios to participate in a whistle-stop guided tour of the show. The design professionals were treated to introductions to 10 leading lighting brands suited to the interiors market, before heading to the lounge for further networking opportunities. The tour received high-praise from both attendees and the participating brands for providing a concise yet informative platform to explore the show and make connections.
Always evolving in order to remain relevant to the wider industry, LiGHT 25 also introduced its new Technical Zone. While focused on brands in urban and commercial lighting, controls, components and emergency lighting, this addition sat alongside the decorative offering to ensure a well-rounded visitor experience.
Education and community were once again central to the event. Supported by Studio Due, the Associations Lounge once again acted as a shared base for leading industry bodies, including the DALI Alliance, The LIA, ILP, SLL and the IALD. Located on the Gallery Level, the lounge hosted networking events such as the in-person Silhouette Awards celebration, the LiGHT Lunch with Studio Due and speaker David Atkinson of DALD, and a dedicated two-day splinter talks programme.
Central to the educational element of the show programme were the CPD-accredited [d]arc thoughts talks series in collaboration with Lutron. Curated and moderated by editors of arc and darc magazines alongside guest moderators, the two-day talks programme brought together global experts to address themes ranging from sustainability and circularity to wellness, health, and the business of design. Topics and highlights include Shaping Atmospheres with Judith Patiño, of Vibia, who discussed how light and space work in unison to craft memorable spaces. Plus, True Luxury is Handmade: Crafted for Connoisseurs of Light, with speaker Surbhi Jindal (Da Light Hub / Women in Lighting India Ambassador), exploring the creativity that brings bespoke lighting designs to life.
Also new for 2025, visitors were able to immerse themselves in an innovative light art installation by Speirs Major Light Architecture in partnership with formalighting. Re:Vision explored the theme of colour perception across species, using custom spectral profiles and reimagined Ishihara colour blindness test patterns to reveal the diversity of visual experience across the natural world.
Managing Director, Paul James comments: “We are once again blown away with the positive response and overwhelming attendance to the show. We are proud that the exhibition keeps getting bigger and better this year, cementing LiGHT as a must-visit event for anyone involved in lighting, architecture, interior design, engineering, and beyond. The show has a perfect mix to discover new ideas, strengthen professional relationships, and stay at the forefront of the lighting industry.”
Helen Ankers, [d]arc thoughts Programme Director adds: “We are so pleased with the feedback to this year’s show. The entire team had an amazing time exploring the zones, attending the range of inspiring talks from renowned speakers across the industry, and being in awe of the light art installation from Speirs Major. Thank you to all the media partners, event supporters and exhibitors for your valuable contributions this year. We hope that LiGHT will continue to be a success for years to come, and we are looking forward to sharing special plans for our milestone fifth year in 2026.”
LiGHT remains free to attend, with next year’s dates confirmed for 18–19 November 2026.
Recolight launches used luminaire certificate
(UK) - Recolight announces the introduction of its Used Luminaire Certification service, designed to encourage and support developers, consulting engineers, and lighting designers seeking to specify second-life luminaires.
The Used Luminaire Certificate, developed in partnership with Simon Fisher, will include an opinion report on the likely remaining burn hours and lifetime of the fitting, and an estimate of the embodied carbon savings associated with reusing the fitting. This independent assessment helps address uncertainty about the product’s remaining lifespan and embodied carbon.
The certificate is not a substitute for a warranty or CE marking, which may be supplied by a qualified contractor undertaking any necessary reconditioning. This may be the original manufacturer or a specialist lighting remanufacturer.
Recolight’s initiative responds to increasing interest from building owners and specifiers eager to integrate circular economy principles into their projects. With approximately 40 % of global carbon emissions attributable to the built environment, reducing embodied carbon in lighting is an urgent industry challenge.
“Many projects generate unnecessary waste by replacing relatively recent lighting products with brand new fittings,” says Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey. “Reuse is the easiest mechanism to prevent this, extending product lifespans, and lowering embodied carbon.”
The new scheme aims to remove barriers to reuse, providing greater confidence to project teams and supporting compliance with sustainability targets. It also offers valuable documentation to demonstrate adherence to corporate or public sector carbon reduction commitments.
“We’re seeing a real appetite across the industry to do more with what we already have,” says Harvey. “This certification gives professionals a practical tool to support reuse at scale, helping to normalise second-life lighting as part of mainstream specification practice.”
Simon Fisher adds: “This initiative helps provide confidence about the remaining life in pre-owned and pre-used luminaries and that their reuse will provide acceptable service life in new environments.”
Recolight will be piloting the certificate with several major projects in the coming months, with the intention of rolling out the service more broadly across the UK lighting market in due course.
DALI Alliance Announces the 2026 Lighting Awards
(UK) – The DALI Alliance announce that entries are now open for the 2026 DALI Alliance Lighting Awards.
Submissions will be accepted until 19 December 2025. The annual awards remain free to enter and continue to be an opportunity to be recognised for excellence and innovation in DALI-based lighting control solutions from across the global lighting industry. Awards will be given for both the Application and Innovation categories.
The application categories for 2026 are as follows:
- Residential
- Commercial Interior
- Commercial Exterior
- Industrial
- Smart Cities and Infrastructure
Innovation-focused award categories include:
- Best Use of D4i – Celebrating innovative applications of DALI D4i technology, including enhanced data communication, energy management, and advanced control capabilities.
- Best Emergency Lighting Integration – Honouring designs that effectively incorporate emergency lighting to ensure safety, reliability, and standards compliance.
- Best Human-Centric Design – Recognizing lighting projects that support health, comfort, and productivity through adaptive and dynamic lighting.
- Best Integration into Other Systems – Highlighting projects that successfully integrate lighting with systems such as HVAC, security, and energy management.
- Innovation in Lighting – Acknowledging cutting-edge technologies and advancements in lighting control.
- Sustainability and Energy Efficiency – Celebrating projects that demonstrate outstanding environmental performance and energy conservation.
- Best use of DALI+ or DALI Gateways(Parts 341 & 342) – Recognising expert application of DALI+ or DALI to wireless networks across various applications and environments.
Following last year’s success and feedback, participants will no longer be required to select a specific category when submitting their entries. Instead, the Awards judging panel will review each submission and assign it to the most appropriate primary category. Judges may also consider entries for additional categories where relevant, giving projects the opportunity to receive multiple forms of recognition.
Paul Drosihn, General Manager of the DALI Alliance, comments: “We are very excited to launch the 2026 DALI Alliance Lighting Awards. The simplified entry process that we adopted last year provides greater opportunities for organisations and their projects to be recognised. The awards are already highly respected, and we anticipate that the 2026 edition will see a further increase in entrants showcasing the possibilities and benefits of DALI”
Award winners will gain international exposure through promotion by the DALI Alliance, receiving strong visibility and association with the certified global lighting protocol standard.
For more information or to enter the awards, visit The DALI Alliance Lighting Awards 2026
David Village Lighting becomes Official UK Distributor for Artemide
(UK) - David Village Lighting (DVL) has announced a new UK distribution partnership with Italian lighting manufacturer Artemide, covering its architectural lighting portfolio, including the Alphabet of Light collection.
The agreement marks the latest development in a relationship that spans nearly 50 years, during which DVL has collaborated with Artemide across both decorative and architectural product lines on a wide range of project types. The new distributor status is intended to enhance visibility of Artemide’s solutions-focused architectural offering in the UK, as well as strengthen local support for the architecture and design (A&D) community.
DVL’s recently expanded business-to-business team will assist in the specification process for the Artemide Architectural range, working in close coordination with Artemide’s head office in Milan.
Founded in 1981 and based in Sheffield, David Village Lighting has established itself as a specialist in architectural and decorative lighting within the UK market. The company supports projects from the initial design concept through to product specification, procurement and delivery, across commercial, hospitality, residential, education and healthcare sectors.
The Artemide Architectural range comprises a variety of solution-led luminaires designed for precision and flexibility, including directional spotlights and adaptable profiles. Products are available in a range of colour temperatures, dimming options, CRI values and UGR ratings to meet diverse project requirements.
www.davidvillagelighting.co.uk
Countdown to LiGHT 25: Discover the show's new features
(UK) - The countdown is nearly over, with just one week to go before visitors and exhibitors gather for the 2025 edition — an expanded showcase of innovation, education, and networking opportunities. This year’s highlights include the launch of the brand-new Technical Zone, the much-anticipated return of the Associations Lounge, and an exciting new immersive light art installation.
Launched for the first time at LiGHT 25, the Technical Zone will provide a dedicated showcase for brands at the forefront of urban lighting, commercial lighting, control systems, components and OEM, lamps and gear, and emergency lighting. With advanced controls, emergency systems, and components playing an increasingly important role in sustainable and human-centric design, the Technical Zone offers both exhibitors and visitors a vital platform to exchange expertise and explore the latest developments.
Supported by Studio Due, the Associations Lounge will once again act as a shared hub for leading industry bodies, including the DALI Alliance, The LIA, ILP, SLL and the IALD. Located on the Gallery Level, the lounge will provide visitors and exhibitors with a comfortable environment away from the show floor, complete with complimentary refreshments, networking events such as the in-person Silhouette Awards celebration, the LiGHT Lunch with Studio Due and speaker David Atkinson, DALD, and a dedicated talks programme. It also offers the opportunity to learn more about association initiatives and membership.
Central to the educational element of the show programme is the CPD-accredited [d]arc thoughts talks series in collaboration with Lutron. Curated and moderated by editors of arc and darc magazines alongside guest moderators, the two-day talks programme will bring together global experts to address themes ranging from sustainability and circularity to wellness, health, and the business of design. Topics and highlights include Out of Our Lane: What Lighting Designers Must Learn from Medicine, with speaker Willie Duggan (Lighting Designer), which calls on lighting professionals to step beyond the silo of the industry. Plus, True Luxury is Handmade: Crafted for Connoisseurs of Light, with speaker Surbhi Jindal (Da Light Hub / Women in Lighting India Ambassador), exploring the creativity that brings bespoke lighting designs to life.
LiGHT 25 will also feature a new light art installation with Speirs Major Light Architecture, who have partnered with formalighting to present Re:Vision. Exploring the theme of colour perception across species, Re:Vision uses custom spectral profiles and reimagined Ishihara colour blindness test patterns to reveal the diversity of visual experience across the natural world. LiGHT isn’t just a trade show made up of rows of exhibitors. It’s a chance for designers, engineers, and architects to really immerse themselves in light, learn more about how light shapes the design industry, and make new connections through our varied features.
In addition to these new features, LiGHT 25 will bring together thousands of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, engineers, and specifiers, alongside hundreds of leading architectural and decorative lighting brands. Visitors can also take advantage of networking opportunities throughout the event, including a late-night drinks party, a networking lunch, and a dedicated co-working space.
LiGHT 25 is a must-visit event for anyone involved in lighting, architecture, interior design, engineering, and beyond. The show has a perfect mix to discover new ideas, strengthen professional relationships, and stay at the forefront of the lighting industry.
Visitor registration is free. To register and for more information, visit: https://www.lightexpo.london/
formalighting awarded the EcoVadis platinum medal
(Global) – Italian lighting manufacturer, formalighting, announces that it has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, achieving a score of 95/100 in its latest assessment. This result places formalighting within the top 1% of companies worldwide assessed by the sustainability assessment platform over the past twelve months.
The Platinum Medal reflects the brand’s unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices and responsible growth. The company achieved a perfect 100/100 in Environment, 94/100 in Labour & Human Rights, and 99/100 in Sustainable Procurement, demonstrating its strong environmental management systems, people-centred policies, and responsible supply chain practices.
The result follows continuous improvements in sustainability governance, with strengthened policies, ambitious measurable objectives, and ISO 14001 certification across its operations. The award also reinforces the company’s ongoing collaboration within international supply chains, demonstrating that formalighting meets and exceeds the highest environmental and social responsibility standards expected in the industry.
EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, assessing companies on international sustainability standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the United Nations Global Compact, and ISO 26000. The platinum medal is the highest recognition, reserved for companies demonstrating outstanding sustainability performance and transparent reporting.
Michael Monsonego, CEO of formalighting shares, “We are truly honoured to receive the EcoVadis Platinum Medal. This recognition reaffirms our ongoing dedication to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our business - from energy efficiency and responsible sourcing to employee wellbeing and community engagement. It is a testament to the collective efforts of our global teams and their commitment to a more sustainable future.”
“Achieving the Platinum rating is both a recognition and a responsibility. We remain determined and committed to building upon this success, continuing to innovate and lead with purpose as we work towards a brighter and more sustainable future for our wonderful lighting industry,” concludes Sharon Maghnagi, Global Operations Director at formalighting.
L&L Luce&Light opens it first Asian showroom
(Vietnam) – On 4 August, Italian lighting manufacturer L&L Luce&Light opened its first exhibition hub in Asia. The new space is located within LightHub – LK Technology Smart Lighting and Smart City Experience Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Vietnam has become an important market for the company, given its strategic location and rapid growth. In recent years, L&L Luce&Light has taken part in several projects in hospitality, retail and contemporary architecture, including Lim Tower 3 and Park Hyatt Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, the Salvatore Ferragamo flagship store in Tokyo, and the Rosewood Hotel in Bangkok.
“We were eager to open this showroom because it marks a key step in consolidating our presence in this area,” says Marco Celsan, CEO of L&L Luce&Light. “This milestone was made possible through our collaboration with LK Technology, a partner with whom we share a vision of innovation, quality and the integration of light, architecture and smart technologies.”
The new hub has been designed as a permanent space for exchange, learning and dialogue. Aimed for local lighting designers, architects and professionals, it offers the opportunity to explore a range of LED lighting solutions up close and to directly put their performance and potential to the test. This meeting point will foster collaborative design and provide tailored support, with direct assistance from the L&L Luce&Light team.
The Vietnam hub represents a further step in L&L Luce&Light’s global strategy to promote high-quality, design-led lighting systems for projects around the world.
Speirs Major explores how other species see the world
(UK) – After last year’s mesmerising Intra-Spectrum by light artist Frankie Boyle, LiGHT is once again set to captivate audiences with another immersive installation. This time, by renowned lighting design studio Speirs Major Light Architecture, who, in collaboration with Italian manufacturer formalighting, will unveil an immersive new experience titled Re:Vision.
Re:Vision invites visitors to step into a world of light and perception - a sensory journey that challenges how we see and understand the visual experience of other species. Using custom spectral profiles and reimagined Ishihara colour blindness test patterns, the installation explores how different life forms perceive colour and light in ways entirely distinct from our own.
Speirs Major explains, “We’ve always been fascinated by how each species experiences a completely different version of reality, despite sharing the same planet. When you begin to understand this, you start to think about the impact we as lighting designers have on those experiences through artificial light. This installation is intended to open minds - to start a conversation about designing not just for humans, but for the many other living beings that share our spaces.”
To translate complex scientific research into an accessible experience, Speirs Major and formalighting have crafted a series of environments, each based on the spectral vision of different animals. Within these spaces, visitors encounter Ishihara-style colour charts - familiar to many as tests for colour blindness - which appear or vanish depending on the available spectrum. The result is both playful and profound: an artistic incitement that makes us question how others, human or otherwise, perceive the world.
Speirs Major goes on to explain, “It’s not about simulating another species’ vision, but about creating a spark - an opportunity to see differently, even for a moment.”
Through their partnership with formalighting, known for their innovation and precision in light control, Speirs Major were able to bring this vision to life using advanced luminaires and motorised systems that enable dynamic spectral shifts and subtle changes in atmosphere.
At its heart, Re: Vision is a call for empathy and imagination. Inspired by philosopher Thomas Nagel’s essay What Is It Like to Be a Bat?, the installation embraces the impossibility of truly seeing through another creature’s eyes - and yet, in doing so, invites us to reflect on how we design for a world of difference. “Humans are the only species that truly needs artificial light,” says Speirs Major. “Yet our use of light affects every other species. Birds stay awake longer under urban lighting, nocturnal creatures lose darkness, and ecosystems are disrupted. This project asks us to think beyond ourselves.”
The designers say Re:Vision also connects with broader discussions about accessibility in design, noting that perception can vary significantly between individuals. As Speirs Major explains, “Even within our own species, perception varies - ageing changes how we see, and those with colour blindness experience the world differently. Re:Vision is a reminder that design must account for those differences, cultivating awareness and empathy along the way.”
For visitors to LiGHT 25, Re:Vision is more than an installation - it’s an experience that stays with you. It will make you pause, question, and perhaps even see your own work differently. LiGHT 25 will showcase a range of innovations and artistic works within the lighting industry, continuing its focus on both the technical and creative aspects of illumination.
https://www.lightexpo.london/
Canada Light Expo returns for 2025
(Canada) - Canada Light Expo is set to return for its second edition from 12–13 November 2025 at the International Centre in Toronto. Organised by MEX International, the event will bring together brands, professionals, and innovators from across the lighting sector to explore the latest technologies and trends shaping the industry’s future.
The 2025 edition will feature more than 80 leading brands and 1,000+ innovative products, spanning architectural, landscape, smart, energy-efficient, human-centric, horticultural, and decorative lighting solutions. Visitors will witness how design, technology, and sustainability will transform the lighting landscape, reflecting Canada’s growing commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure.
The Advisory Board of professionals from the lighting sector has been assembled to support the 2025 programme. Some of them include Alana Punit (Salex), Carl Huestis (Axis Lighting), Cindy Foster Warthen Director of Event Strategy (Canada Light Expo), Dan Hadash (Light Space), Dayna Bradley (Bradley Consulting), Deborah Gottesman (Gottesman Associates), Dawn Brown (OALD), Eric Teacher (STL Lighting Group), Joan Orgel (Electromart Hamilton), Martha MacEachen (Dubo Électrique), Michael Jennison (Omnilumen Technical Products), Paul Boken (Sourcery), Rozlyn Mead (Student Advisor), Shirley Coyle (Cree Lighting), and Tom Butters (The Lighting Agora).
Himani Gulati, MEX International Director of Sales- International Markets, comments: “With the second edition of Canada Light Expo, we continue our mission to advance Canada’s lighting sector through knowledge, networking, and innovation. The event reflects our commitment to creating a global-standard platform that empowers professionals to explore emerging technologies and redefine the way the world experiences light.”
The 2025 event will be supported by several sponsors and partners, including Axis and Cree as Silver Sponsors, Salex, Omnilumen, and TPL as Official Agency Partners, Sourcery as Mobile App Sponsor, and Rosco as Bronze Sponsor. Knowledge partners include The Lighting Agora and SARA National, with media support from publications such as arc Magazine, Designing Lighting, Light No , and Light Directory.
A key feature of the show will be Canada Light Talks 2025, a two-day conference comprising presentations, workshops, and panel discussions. Topics will include advancements in LED technology, human-centric design, smart lighting, sustainability, and exterior applications. The programme seeks to encourage collaboration and the exchange of insights among industry professionals.
The conference will also feature a keynote session, Integrating Lighting into Health and Wellness: Looking Beyond Circadian Mechanisms and Applications, presented by Douglas Steel. Other confirmed speakers include Dan Hadash, Dayna Bradley, Alan McIntosh, Marcel Dion, Michel Arcand, Peter Brown, and Tom Butters.
Complementing the exhibition and conference is a series of exclusive networking. The Lighting Workshop offers hands-on sessions led by experts, enabling participants to gain practical knowledge and technical insights. Enhancing the networking experience, the Lovers of Light- Canada, Cocktail Reception + Networking Game Show, moderated by Dave Young, brings together entertainment with professional interaction through two exciting rounds of themed discussions and challenges.
Adding to the lineup of interactive experiences, attendees can also participate in the Networking Luncheon sessions including Luncheon Panel on Better By Design: Why Lighting Interior and Lighting Design Collaboration Creates Better Spaces sponsored by Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO), Luncheon Panel on AI and Lighting Specification- Pros and Cons, and Breakfast Networking Interactive Workshop on Unplugged but Illuminated: Finding Balance in a Technological World by ATLA (All Things Lighting Association), and the Lighting Workshop, featuring expert-led, hands-on sessions designed to share practical knowledge and insights from the field.
A new feature for 2025, the Connections Section, will serve as an exclusive roundtable networking area, providing lighting industry professionals a dedicated space to engage and network with like-minded people. This premium feature fosters targeted discussions and meaningful collaborations. Participating associations include Lighting Agora, NLB, Nuckolls Fund, IALD Canada, IES Toronto Section, International Commission on Illumination (CNC-CIE), WILD, NEMRA Lighting, ARIDO, and WIL.
With the Canadian government’s strong push toward energy efficiency and sustainability, the country’s lighting sector is witnessing rapid transformation. The rising adoption of smart lighting technologies, supported by national initiatives and incentive programs, continues to drive innovation and demand across the industry. Canada Light Expo 2025 offers the ideal platform for architects, lighting designers, engineers, consultants, and contractors to connect, explore, and contribute to shaping the future of Canada’s smart and energy-efficient lighting landscape.
In Focus - Pastello by Curiousa
darc caught up with Esther Patterson of Curiousa to talk about the brand’s latest launch, Pastello. A beautiful collection of porcelain lights in a mix of signature and new colours that are quickly becoming a signature aesthetic of the studio. Discover details of Patterson’s inspirations behind the collection and the manufacturing processes the pieces went through to create the desired finishes
What is the concept behind this new collection?
Drawing on the studio’s signature colour palette from the award-winning Maya and Carnival collections, Pastello pairs hand-crafted ceramic and semi-opaque glass shades in a spectrum of pastel tones.
The inspiration behind the range’s palette harks back to the playful, optimistic colours of 1950s and 60s melamine tea sets, picnic scenes and coloured bathroom suites — a celebration of bravery, joy and the desire to brighten life after dark times.
We’re inviting homeowners and designers to channel that same boldness, creating bathrooms that lift the spirit and inspire the day ahead. This range embodies my love of colour, texture and playful form, bringing a sense of joy and individuality to any bathroom.
How long have you been working on Pastello for?
I’ve been experimenting with the shade shapes for the last 18 months. I make the original shape on the wheel; in ceramic slip-casting terms we call this the model or master. I create a solid shade shape in brown clay, then cast from this using plaster. I use this plaster mould to slip cast my ceramic shades using a beautiful porcelain clay called Parian. This clay was originally used for Victorian doll heads in the 18th century as it self-glazes and has a smooth, slightly translucent glowing finish.
What challenges did you face when producing this collection?
The first shades I made were cone-shaped, but when lit, there was a horrid shadow at the top and the shade wasn’t evenly lit. The lamp holder was creating a shadow, so I decided to start again and create a space at the top to allow room for the holder and to light the shade more evenly.
It worked. I made a simple dish and bowl shape – the Ciao and Hola – in this style. Originally, I experimented with using these for our Siren wall lights but then realised the potential for a simple spotlight-style light, so I created one with a swivel to make it directional.
I could really see the potential for these in bathrooms or bedside lighting – a simple and versatile visual addition to a room, using colour to create a pop of interest without taking up much space.
Tell us more about the materials and how you work with ceramics and glass in your studio.
What’s great about slip-casting is that you can make many pieces from one mould, and I can keep experimenting with each one. I’ve started painting some of the surfaces too. For instance, for the Hola, I decided to paint a layer of colour on the inside of the shade while it was still in the mould. I was just playing, but it turned out so well that I decided it would become part of the Pastello range, creating a simple two-tone shade. I’ve also started hand-painting designs on the shades and I’m thinking of bringing out a range of these next year. Because I make the models myself on the wheel, the final shades still carry the maker’s marks and impressions. I don’t want them to look factory made, but handmade.
What inspired you to introduce new colours into the collection?
It often starts with the colour and I work from there, sketching silhouettes in my pad first. Most of the palette stems from the previous Maya Collection, but I’ve added one more – Eggplant. The deep purple is an interesting mix with the diffused glass and ceramic pieces.
For me, colour is the stuff of life. It brings me joy, and I love the art of combining colours in a daring way. It’s a challenge sometimes to bring so many colours together, but when it works, I love it. We’ve even created a new strapline for ourselves: The Colour Lighting Company.
What makes these products different to other lighting pieces on the market?
All the prototype lights are made in my ceramic studio in Wirksworth, Derbyshire. For larger orders, I work with George Woolley (DINK), who used to work for Curiousa but now runs his own ceramic studio in Sheffield. I love that we keep things local and handmade to order.
There are a lot of white porcelain lights out there, and some of them are very beautiful, but not many coloured. My gut tells me we’ll see more of them soon, as I think this style will catch on. But for now, I believe we’re one of the first among my UK design contemporaries to offer porcelain shades with such a broad colour choice, all made to order.