Witness the Poetic Convergence of Fragile Paper and Enduring Steel in Butterfield's Latest Collection!

The Debut of "A Veil Boundary" at a Prestigious Design Event

Jesse Butterfield's latest series, including the "Sew Paper Lighting" and "Stool Des Pois" collections, was officially introduced at his "A Veil Boundary" exhibition. Curated by Alex Tieghi-Walker, this significant debut took place within the renowned Brompton Design District, a key segment of London's city-wide design celebration.

Embracing the Timeless Beauty and Utility of Paper in Illumination

The paper lanterns within this collection honor a long-standing tradition of utilizing paper for lampshades, a practice valued for the material's inherent lightness and its ability to diffuse light gently. This approach pays homage to historical craftsmanship while reinterpreting it for a contemporary audience.

Collaborative Craftsmanship: Partnering with a Heritage Paper Mill

To bring the "Sew Paper Lighting" series to fruition, Butterfield engaged in a partnership with The Paper Foundation. Located in the picturesque Lake District, this paper mill is led by Mark Cropper, a sixth-generation papermaker, bringing centuries of expertise to the project.

The Journey of Selecting and Adapting Unique Paper Varieties

Butterfield recounted the immersive experience of visiting The Paper Foundation, observing their detailed paper-making process, and hand-picking a selection of six or seven distinct papers. The choice was guided by their potential for elegant draping, luminous effects, and suitability for various applications within the designs.

The Structural Foundation: Stainless Steel in Lighting Design

Slim stainless steel frames form the essential structure for each lighting piece, defining their form and function. These frames support diverse designs, ranging from sophisticated pendant and wall lights to practical floor and table lamps, showcasing the versatility of the material.

Sculpting Light: Manipulating Handmade Paper into Unique Forms

The lanterns displayed throughout the exhibition feature handmade paper intricately folded, draped, and shaped into organic, amorphous forms. Each piece is meticulously hand-stitched, transforming simple paper into captivating sculptural elements that interact with light.

Exploring Material Parallels: Stainless Steel Mirrors Paper's Qualities

Parallel to the paper lamps, Butterfield's "Stool Des Pois" series delves into the surprising ability of sheet metal to emulate the characteristics of paper. This series challenges perceptions by showcasing the flexibility and delicate potential of stainless steel.

From Conceptual Model to Physical Form: The Stool's Evolution

The design process for the stools began with a paper model, which was then precisely scaled and meticulously recreated in stainless steel. Through careful heating and hand-hammering, the metal was manipulated to achieve a remarkable thinness and lightness, reminiscent of paper.

Unique Creations: The Individual Character of Each Handcrafted Stool

While sharing a common foundational model and dimensions, each stool in the collection possesses its own distinct charm due to its handmade nature. This ensures that no two stools are exactly alike, celebrating the subtle variations that arise from artisanal production.

Decorative Polka Dots: A Signature of the Manufacturing Process

Further enhancing their individuality, the stools are adorned with a polka dot pattern, created by intentionally blackening the metal. This decorative element not only adds visual intrigue but also narrates the story of their creation process, making each mark a testament to craftsmanship.

Embracing Imperfection: A Conscious Design Choice

Butterfield expressed his intentional decision to preserve these marks, which are an intrinsic part of the manufacturing process. Unlike previous works where they might have been refined away, here they are celebrated, aligning with the "perfectly imperfect" theme prevalent in this year's Brompton Design District program.