I Spy – Lee Broom……….

Yesterday, I finally got myself down to the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour for the penultimate day of London Design Week.  After a mad rush round all the showrooms, ordering fabric and wallpaper samples in a mad frenzy, I settled down to witness Lee Broom in conversation with Michaelle Ogundehin, of Elle Decoration.

Decanter Pendent Lights

I’ve always admired Lee’s work but had no idea just how varied a career he has had.  From theatre school and the Royal Shakespeare Society, to fashion design and an internship with Vivien Westwood, to St Martins College of Art, to designing bars and of course his impressive portfolio of products.  The list goes on.  I’ve probably left out a few steps but feel giddy just thinking about it.

Carpetry Sideboard, Heritage Boy

He talked about his collections.  Most notably, his collaboration with Grosvenor Wilton on the Heritage Boy collection, and the company who also makes tiles for London Underground.  His decanter pendent lights and also his Neo Neon Collection for which he says he is probably most proud.

Electric Louis, Neo Neon

He has also designed no less that 35 bars and is currently offering a one day consultancy service for bars.

The Lost Society Bar

Most interesting to me, is to hear what inspires designers.  Lee was no exception.  He says he just seems to have a capacity for remembering anything visual.  It all gets stored.  He ignores trends and just does what comes naturally to him at the time, and that probably having no formal training in interiors helps him to push boundaries.

The Lost Angel Bar

He also gets the thumbs up for flying the flag for Britain.  As he says, it’s much more expensive to manufacture here but you get better quality control.

Carpetry Pendent, Heritage Boy

Well, Mr Bloom gets a thumbs up from me and excuse me while I just go for a lie down.