Today marks the annual celebration of International Women’s Day. Established in the early 1900s, the day continues to present an opportunity to reflect, unite and raise awareness of the economic, political and social achievements of women across the globe.
Here at SCP, we’re celebrating the day by shining a spotlight on the wealth of talented women working in the design industry. Click below to read all about the leading ladies of furniture, art, crafts and ceramics with who we regularly collaborate with.
Discover the International Women’s Day collection here.
Andrea Stemmer is passionate about furniture, and has been since finishing her joinery apprenticeship in Germany in 1984. Before Andrea began her solo practice, she was one part of the renowned partnership, Kay + Stemmer. The design duo collaborated on a range of projects including their first collaboration with SCP in 2007, which resulted in the best-selling Edith and Agnes free-standing shelves.
Andrea’s designs strive for integrity, simplicity and elegance. She does not follow trends but rather her intuition and knowledge.
New York based Bec Brittain is a lighting and product designer driven by a love of luxurious materials, intuitive forms and forward-thinking technology.
After studying product design at Parsons, philosophy at NYU, and architecture at The Architectural Association, Brittain began her career designing and handcrafting bespoke door hardware. It’s here that she discovered a love of metalworking. She continued to hone her craft while acting as Design Director for the renowned lighting studio, Lindsey Adelman. Bec left in 2011 to set up her own studio in Brooklyn.
In 2012, SCP launched its first design by Bec at Maison & Object; the gold passivate Axial pendant light – closely followed by a black powder-coated version in 2013.
Scottish-born textile designer, Donna Wilson is celebrated for her collection of homespun cool accessories, patterned furniture and colourful pouffes. Characterised by its playful nature, tactile aesthetic and multicoloured palette, her designs have won her fans the world over.
In 2004, SCP became one of the first retailers to sell her quirky range of creatures, which she designed during her time at the Royal College of Art. Our relationship with Donna has continued to blossom through furniture design, Welsh woven textiles and her first collection of handmade rugs and kilims.
Hannah Waldron is a British multi-disciplinary artist and designer whose textiles celebrate material, colour and storytelling. Her work is influenced by the landscape around her, usually through exploring complex lines in architecture.
Since completing an MFA in Textiles at Konstfack, Sweden, where she won the HAY talent award, she has gone on to work with a range of prestigious clients including the V&A, Herman Miller, and Paul Smith. For SCP, Waldron created Tabi, a woven work in indigo hues that was strongly influenced by a journey she took to Japan.
Regarded as regarded as a leader in Dutch design, Ineke Hans set up her studio in the Netherlands in 1998 after graduating with an MA in Furniture Design from the Royal College of Art. Hans cleverly combines traditional production methods to suit new living habits, and as such, her work is valued for its multi-layered, playful and social approach to design.
In 2012, Ineke launched her first range for SCP, named the Welland collection. Comprising a table, bench and stool, the range is the culmination of years of contact between Ineke and SCP.
With a commitment to delivering sophisticated, elegant, and timeless products, Lucy Kurrein combines the rigour of industrial design with an understanding of the aesthetic and practical qualities required in furniture.
Lucy studied Art Foundation Diploma at the Leeds College of Art and Design and went on to pursue a degree in Contemporary Furniture and Related Product Design at Buckinghamshire University. After graduating in 2007, she moved to London to work with British Royal Designer for Industry, Matthew Hilton. While working with Hilton, Lucy helped develop products for furniture companies such as SCP, Case Furniture, De La Espada, and Ercol. Over the years we have collaborated with Lucy to create the popular Lincoln, Teepee and Elma Sofas plus Lily Occasional Tables.
Central Saint Martins trained Reiko Kaneko creates delicate accessories that draw their influence from her childhood in Japan and the heritage of Stoke-on-Trent, where her studio is based.
It’s here – the heart of English potteries – that she saw the opportunity to work closely with and learn from producers in Stoke-on-Trent. With ample space for kilns and staff, the studio has the ability to experiment with glazes, colour bodies and decorations. By being rooted to the ceramic cluster of the area, she’s able to tap into local networks of contacts with over 200 years’ worth of experience and knowledge in fine bone china production.
Sarah Kay has been designing and making things in wood since studying fine cabinet making and furniture design at Parnham College in Dorset. She first set up her design and making practice in Hackney in 1996. Today she splits her time between Hackney and the south-west of France.
Before Sarah began in solo practice, as Sarah Kay, she was part of the renowned partnership, Kay + Stemmer. Sarah’s reputation rests on sensitive, carefully considered design which has a quiet, timeless appeal; the objective being longevity through quality design and craftsmanship.
