The spectacular lighting collaboration between Retro Print Revival’s Tamara Watts and Jan Vogelpoel was inspired by a shared love of great design, mid-century aesthetics, textiles, and art – and lamps!
Tamara Watts has been designing lamps and homewares with her local brand since 2009, while Melbourne-based sculptor Jan creates eye-catching ceramic sculptures. The local creatives have been ‘long-time’ admirers of each other’s work, so when Jan approached Tamara about working together earlier this year, the two decided to combine their mediums in unique lighting collaboration.
It sparked a unique partnership and a striking range of 10 lamps they’ve named the Aurora Collection, with only three of each style available.
‘We are both passionate about interiors and styling and felt Australia would appreciate a collection of bold statement lamps, that are beautifully crafted and considered,’ Tamara says.
‘We wanted to go a little larger than usual and create sculptural lamps that hold an ethereal presence in any space, effortlessly reflecting connection, fluidity and light,’ Jan adds.
The sculptural lamp bases are built from a warm white Australian clay, which gives a raw and tactile finish once fired, recalling the magical textures of sandstone cliffs or ancient artefacts. Jan’s craftsmanship is recognisable in the detailed, visual cues of her minimalistic carvings and fluid forms of the pieces, complemented by Retro Print Revivals’ luxurious lampshades.
They feature a range of fabrics, from textured velvets to linen and woven boucle, in beautiful earthy tones of tones of rust, white and ochre.
‘We also named each lamp after a star,’ Tamara reveals.
