The Crystal Bulb Shop was a delight on the eyes, a surreal and contemporary take on the ye olde corner store complete with an apron adorned shopkeeper, mahogany counter and sawdust on the floor. Created especially for the London Design Festival by critically acclaimed British designer Lee Broom in celebration of his Crystal Bulb, who once again transformed his East London studio for the week.
Almost blinded by the light and wonder of over 200 crystal bulbs hanging from the ceiling and merchandised with mirth en masse amongst the vintage shop fittings in-store, specifically chosen to show the many ways to play (there is something rather joyous about it) with the Crystal Bulb. My appetite for decoration went into overdrive upon sight of the individually hand-blown bulbs that combine the industrial with the decorative and a touch of Marie Antoinette thrown in for good measure. Cut with a classic crystal pattern, Broom collaborated with Cumbria Crystal, the sole remaining producer of hand-made English full lead crystal in the UK, keeping true to his tradition of working with British craftsmen.
A bulb for life, the crystal bulb is designed to fit any standard ceiling, wall or lamp fitting, and can be hung alone or in clusters for mass and mad effect. Lit by a replaceable LED, with a lifespan of approximately 20 years, its eco credentials are impressive too… Woohoo. I must say it’s great to see a designer who considers the environment in his quest for beauty in great design, sadly there were too few this year at LDF.
Apparently the new pin-up of design, Lee founded his company only 5 years ago and since then has taken the interior and product design world by storm. In his career, Broom has lunched five furniture and lighting collections, designed over 40 retail, restaurant and bar interiors and has won 8 awards including the “British Designer” at the British wards in November 20. Impressive right? Since it’s Milan release earlier this year, the Crystal Bulb is now stocked in Uk stores Liberty, John Lewis and Selfridges as well as stores globally. Get it while it’s hot.
For more of the man himself and his many talents head to leebroom.com
APPETITE FOR DECORATION 