By The Furnace

Collier Webb

The essence of “By the Furnace” lies in fostering a meaningful dialogue between accomplished designers and makers. Through this video podcast series, Danielle Collier, third-generation Managing Director of Collier Webb, sits down with industry experts to showcase the remarkable alliances between creative minds and master craftspeople - an interplay that brings exceptional designs to life.

Episodes

  1. 09/10/2024

    Breaking Boundaries: Tim Butcher on Crafting Fromental's Legacy

    In this captivating episode of By the Furnace, host Danielle Collier welcomes Tim Butcher, Co-Founder of Fromental, a luxury wallpaper brand celebrated for its fusion of traditional art and modern innovation. Danielle dives into Tim’s journey to creating one-of-a-kind hand-painted wallcoverings, drawing from his background as a trained weaver and scholar of Decorative Art, particularly Chinoiserie. Listeners will gain an inside look at Tim’s creative philosophy, where embracing constraints becomes a catalyst for innovation. With a unique approach to design that blends creativity with the rules of technology, Tim has been at the forefront of Fromental’s success, creating wallcoverings that push boundaries and evoke strong emotional reactions. He discusses his love for Chinese wallpaper, sharing how his time in China deepened his appreciation for the medium’s rich heritage and timeless appeal. Tim also discusses running a business with his partner, Lizzie, offering insight into how they balance their professional and personal lives. He reflects on the art of collaboration, the inspiration behind Fromental’s bold business endeavours, and how traditional art forms like Chinoiserie continue to influence the brand’s evolving designs. In addition, Tim provides inspirational advice for those entering the industry and shares the wisdom he would give to his younger self. With a hint to upcoming projects, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of luxury design and the creative forces driving Fromental’s continued innovation. Don’t miss this insightful conversation between Danielle Collier and Tim Butcher, where art, craftsmanship, and creativity meet to bring a room to life. Watch the full video podcast on Youtube: https://youtu.be/DfzN53p40Jw https://fromental.co.uk/ Captured by Alun Callender.

    17 min
  2. 07/31/2024

    Unlocking Design Innovation: Insights to Cutting-Edge Product Design with Neil Wesley

    In this engaging episode of By The Furnace, host Danielle Collier welcomes Neil Wesley, a talented designer at Collier Webb, is known for his innovative approach to lighting and furniture design, continuously working to carefully strike the balance of form and functionality. Forming an integral part of Collier Webb’s bespoke service, Neil works closely with clients to translate rough ideas and themes into tangible designs, as well as bring fully formed concepts to life.  In this episode we dive into how to navigate the challenges of making each piece work seamlessly through a variety of traditional and cutting-edge craft processes. Listeners will gain insight into Neil’s creative process, which thrives on the fluidity of hand sketches, allowing ideas to flow and evolve. Beyond his role as a designer, he is a true innovator, consistently pushing the boundaries of design with each project he undertakes. Neil recounts several meticulous projects that stand out in his career, highlighting the intricate problem-solving and multiple approaches the team employs to meet the high standards of some of the world’s most renowned interior designers. He also explores the integration of 3D printing alongside, and in some cases in place of, traditional craft methods, detailing how this technology can resolve technical difficulties and sometimes bridge the gap between a client’s vision and product creation. Captured by Alun Callender.

    10 min

About

The essence of “By the Furnace” lies in fostering a meaningful dialogue between accomplished designers and makers. Through this video podcast series, Danielle Collier, third-generation Managing Director of Collier Webb, sits down with industry experts to showcase the remarkable alliances between creative minds and master craftspeople - an interplay that brings exceptional designs to life.