Skandium Selects: the London Design Fair

In partnership with the London Design Fair, we're proud to commit to our ongoing dedication to Scandinavian design. As part of the London Design Fair we were asked to select products displayed at this year's fair, to then display and sell at our Brompton Road store for two weeks after the fair ends. From this we've chosen ten products from seven Scandinavian designers, from young creative talent to more established makers, with each piece displayed from 1st October - 17th October, exclusively available at our Brompton road store. With thanks to the London Design Fair, 100% Norway and the Norwegian Embassy, we bring you ‘Skandium selects – London Design Fair’, find out more about our selection below!

Tiro tequila set by Nathalia Mussi

Nathalia Mussi Tiro tequila set ‘We chose this piece as it is unlike any of our current collection. The Tiro set is a beautiful way to create a sense of theatre and occasion to the traditional method of drinking tequila,’ Skandium. With a background in architecture Nathalia moved to Helsinki in 2013 to begin an MA in Product Design in Aalto University. Since moving to Finland Mussi has explored her own designs through experimenting with different materials and developing collaborations with other designers. Her designs are representative of her appreciation of simple functional objects with structure and the temptation to make designs that are as loud and colorful as her motherland. Mussi was also nominated for the Pure Talents Contest in exhibition at IMM Cologne, 2016 and was awarded the 2016 Best of Design Plus in the Young Designers category. Skandium has chosen to display Tiro, a tequila set, designed for a group exhibition of Helsinki-based designers creating pieces inspired by Mexican culture. The tequila set is made up of a set of thin ceramic cones that fail to stand on their own – being held in a justapose by solid copper bases.

Stilleben by Ann Kristin Einarsen

Ann Kristin Einarsen Stilleben ‘You’d have tried hard to miss the stoneware and plant trend this year – with that tactile and living element that people want to bring into their homes – Stilleben by Einarsen is a great example of this done in a minimal and considered way,’ Skandium. Norwegian artist and designer, Einarsen completed a master degree in visual art at the Oslo Academy of the Arts, and since she’s continued to explore materials such as stoneware and clay working for brands like Muuto. A wood crafter turned ceramic designer, Ann Kristen Einarsen explores sculptural processes in her Oslo-based studio. For this year’s London Design Fair, she launched three pieces, Stilleben, Sip and Rolla shown at 100% Norway in the London Design Fair. For Skandium Selects we chose the Stilleben collection, a minimalist series of bowls and pots made from different clay - perfect for display bowls or pots.

Ethereal light by Dackelid-Form

Dackelid-Form Ethereal light ‘The Ethereal light is just that, the ethereal grow that the piece gives along with the choice of simple materials is perfect for a relaxing bedside table lamp that doesn’t distract from the overall design of the room,’ Skandium. A designer focused on craftsmanship Nathalie Dackelid is a Swedish designer with a background in industrial design, from this base, she then went to focus on furniture design and making. Like many modern designers, she strives for designs that reflect the materials and materials properties – with sustainability a point of reference. For Skandium selects, the Ethereal light was chosen, made of birch wood from Sweden, glass and a leather strap the piece comes in two colours, natural and pale white and draws inspiration from the landscapes of west Sweden.

Ankle blankets by Anderssen & Vol for Røros Tweed

Anderssen & Vol for Røros Tweed Aklé blankets ‘We selected this item for its tactility and reference to the traditional woven wall coverings seen across Scandinavian countries – the design is great for those long winter days ahead,’ Skandium. Anderssen & Vol, a design studio by Torbjørn Anderssen and Espen Voll was established in 2009 in Olso. Since its inception they have created textiles, tableware, lighting, furniture and electronics for some of the most celebrated brands in Europe. Skandium selected their Aklé blankets for Røros Tweed, which was presented at 100% Norway at the London Design Fair. The blanket was inspired by the Norwegian tradition of woven wall coverings, a perfect piece to welcome in to Autumn. On sale in a selection of colourways.

Lavitta chair and lounge chair by Poiat

Poiat Lavitta chair and lounge chair ‘We have chosen the Lavitta chair due to its quality and simple, modern design, a brand that’s interested Skandium for some time – we’re excited to welcome the Lavitta chair and lounge chair into Skandium as part of our selects initiative,’ Skandium. Founded in 2010 by three designers Antti Rouhunkoski, Timo Mikkonen and Marco Rodriguez in Helsinki, Poiat focuses on creating characteristic concepts in the fields of architecture, interior design and product design. Launching its own furniture collection in 2014, called Lavitta. Simple and elegant with their chosen materials and colours, the Lavitaa collection allows the user to focus on the products form. The chair is made from twp mould pressed pieces of plywood and its surface is lacquered or stained.

Poured bowls by Troels Flensted

Troels Flensted Poured bowls ‘The tactility of the poured polymer and colours used drew us to Troel Flensted’s designs, we love the unpredictable surface designs with the ink and the smoothness that the material brings to the bowls,’ Skandium. After graduating in 2014 from Central Saint Martins, Troels Flensted returned to Denmark to start his design studio. Through experimentation with materials, colour and manufacturing techniques – his designs are often minimal in shape, allowing the material to come through, with the acclaimed Poured Collection has becoming Flensted’s signature style, all cast in hand in his studio in Copenhagen, the collection is a result of two years of material research. Skandium selects Flensted’s Poured bowls and the newly introduced platter, made from mineral powder, water- based acrylic polymer and pigments into a liquid casting material. The collection will be shown in a mixture of colours and patterns, each one unique. All pieces in the Poured Collection are smooth and have the same resistance as ceramics and are resistant to fire.