Curiousa debuts ‘Maya’ collection, marrying light and ceramics

An award-winning bespoke lighting designer brand Curiousa, marked their first foray into ceramics with the launch of the Maya Collection at Decorex, Olympia London last week.

Founder and Designer, Esther Patterson, has returned to her ceramicist roots to create a fusion of light and ceramic in a playful and design-led collection of table lamps and pendant hanging lights – each a testament to Curiousa’s dedication to materiality, colour and form.

Inspired by Aztec and Mayan graphic fabric patterns and architectural motifs, the stepped geometric shapes of the Maya Collection evoke the silhouette of iconic ancient Mayan temples. These shapes were translated into bone-china components through a creative and organic process from clay on the wheel to slip-casting before then being carefully curated with glass.

‘The initial process was a journey of discovery, allowing the materials and shapes to converse and harmonise organically. I played with the shapes in different combinations, inverting them, creating mirrored geometric compositions and marrying them with glass elements,’ comments Patterson. Through trial and error, the initial shapes, bold colours and geometric patterns were simplified and fine-tuned with a softer colour palette.

Created in Curiousa’s in-house ceramic studio nestled within the historic 18th Century Haarlem cotton mill in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, the collection is a homage to both craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. Curiousa’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their innovative approach of firing pieces just once, significantly reducing the collection’s ecological footprint without compromising on quality.

“I’ve loved making again and I can while away many hours experimenting with colour palettes and creating new shapes. I really feel connected to clay – it’s a beautiful and intuitive material with endless possibilities. It grounds me to the earth somehow. It feels comfortable but sometimes irksome as it can rebel and not comply, so when you open the kiln to see final results and something really turns out beautifully, you feel like doing a little dance to celebrate – it really is exciting.” Esther Patterson, Founder and Designer

ABOUT CURIOUSA

Curiousa design and manufacture hand-blown glass and ceramic lighting from their old mill studio, nestled in Derbyshire’s Peak District. Designer and founder Esther Patterson has a real passion for all things British-made and for true craftsmanship and is proud to be part of a re-emerging tradition of British skills.

Now in their thirteenth year, Curiousa provide bespoke lighting that celebrates colour, quality and form. Each of their designs seek to bring out the intrinsic beauty of the glass itself, and it is this focus that has helped establish their reputation in the decorative lighting industry. Their pendants, chandeliers and bespoke creations can be seen hanging proudly in homes and commercial venues around the world.

Accolades: 2023 Darc Awards Winner – KIT Decorative category, 2022 Darc Awards

Nominee, 2021 Darc Awards Nominee. 2014 Dulux Let’s Colour Awards – Best Use of

Colour in Homes & Interiors Triptych Stacks, 2013 ELLE Decoration British Design Awards

Nominee, 2012 ELLE Decoration British Design Awards Nominee.

For more information please visit curiousa.co.uk

Image credits: Product images Chris Webb, Founder images Will Slater

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