Katy West’s sortie into the world of design was preceded by a solid training in ceramics. What made her decide to switch? Pragmatism.
‘I became a designer so that I could make things that would reach a wide audience, both through quantities and cost.’ The scope of her products is broad – from interior fittings to glass and china tableware. Her furniture is startlingly simple; take, for instance, the shelf bracket. Resolutely cream, it is elegantly curvaceous and nothing if not understated. And the twist? It is made from vitrified china.
Meanwhile, her hand-blown soda glasses mark a departure from her decisive devotion to whites and creams, coming, as they do, in brown, aqua and orange. ‘I’m very influenced by historical artifacts,’ says West. ‘I like to combine the decorative with the utilitarian, making practical things that you use intriguing.’ This she does with aplomb; the shelf bracket series is now in production, while West meanwhile, is completing a residency in Argyll, exploring venison country.
Would most like to work with:
'Social housing. They could employ me to make beautiful things for council houses that will last.'
