Interiors: New lighting by Sowden to be presented at Top Drawer

Sowden, the homeware and lighting brand created by British Milan-based designer George Sowden, will showcase their full Shades Collection of lights at the design-led trade fair Top Drawer 2024, from 14 - 16 January at Olympia London, announced SCP the UK distributor of Sowden.

Sowden Ceiling Lamps.
Photo by Alice Fiorilli from SCP website.

SCP is also presenting Sowden's new product launches being shown for the first time at the Top Drawer trade fair. 

The Shades Collection is composed of suspension, table and floor lamps, alongside a family of battery-powered designs suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The idea for the Shade Collection took shape in 2020, when George Sowden, while working on another project, discovered the extraordinary potential and ability to diffuse light through soft silicone; a non-toxic material that is easy to clean, stands up to impact and conserves its aesthetic qualities without ever showing signs of ageing.

The use of silicone for this purpose, lends the Shades collection its distinctive allure.

The interplay of shapes and colours, assembled in diverse configurations, brings versatility and life to these remarkable lamps, according to SCP,  manufacturer and dealer of high-quality contemporary furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories, established in London in 1985 by Sheridan Coakley.

Headquartered in Milan, the Sowden brand has emerged as an epitome of design innovation. Created by George Sowden, a British designer originally from Leeds, who established himself in the Milanese design firmament, after moving to the city in the early 1970s. Sowden’s legacy includes co-founding the influential Memphis Group in 1981, alongside Ettore Sottsass and Nathalie Du Pasquier.

With a prolific portfolio spanning decades, Sowden has contributed iconic designs to leading brands such as Alessi, Bodum, Swatch, Steelcase, Tefal, and Pyrex.

Transitioning into the 2000s, Sowden's studio focused on self-branded products like the Sowden Softbrew coffee system, while also collaborating with renowned Danish brand HAY. The Shades Collection represents his latest success, introducing a bespoke lighting brand with a unique approach to designing and developing products.