Introducing Artifact Lighting

Artifact Lighting was founded in 2011 by Greg Bailey and Mark McConnell, driven by a love of antique lighting and making bespoke pieces from their studio with their talented team. Inspired by the heritage of English manufacturing, they wanted to keep the value of ‘Made In England’ within their products, designing contemporary lighting with traditional inspiration. 

Here we chat with Greg about Artifact Lighting story, passion for craftsmanship, sustainable processes and materials, and much more..

Can you tell us the backstory of Artifact Lighting? When and why was it started?

Artifact was founded in 2011 by Myself and Mark, two friends that met during our early years. We had a shared passion for interiors, antiques and a desire to stay living by the sea in Bournemouth. Naturally, we started a business trading antique lighting and increasingly started reworking the pieces to our own tastes. Luckily people enjoyed our work and we were able to continue this journey.

It wasn’t too long before our work started to get recognised for flagship commercial projects such as Wework and deVol. This allowed us to continue to build our workshop and experience. After 15 years experience of designing light we feel we are fully expressing our own style, understanding the relationship between material, craft, and the connection with the space where it will be used. Our current work focuses on handcrafted, minimalism, design and natural texture. While using sustainable processes and materials, we feel interiors that use true handcrafted pieces have an authenticity and allow a real, emotional connection to the space. – Greg Bailey – Founder

What is unique about your brand?

What makes Artifact Lighting unique is our commitment to craftsmanship, rooted in British heritage. We design and handcraft lighting using natural materials, working closely with UK artisans and sourcing locally to reduce our environmental impact. Our pieces blend traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, prioritising quality, longevity, and wellbeing in every design.

How important is sustainability to your brand and the products you make?

Our commitment to responsible design and British manufacturing aligns with our sustainability goals. We produce 80% of our items with UK artisans and source materials locally to reduce carbon emissions. We use recyclable packaging and strive to minimise plastic usage in our products as much as possible. We design for longevity, focusing on timeless classics that adapt with the seasons. Using high quality materials and traditional techniques to enhance the durability and aesthetics of our designs.

Take us through the collection design process and how you work with the materials?

The Rocco collection is deeply inspired by the raw beauty of Dorset’s coastal cliffs, its textures, patterns, and earthy tones. Every piece begins with this landscape as a muse. We carefully handcraft each item using 100% natural materials, including plaster, sand, and pigments. Each form is hand-poured, sanded, and finished with a protective coat of natural oil to bring out its stone-like character. Made in small batches by expert craftspeople, we prioritise non-toxic and sustainable materials, ensuring every Rocco shade embodies thoughtful design, durability, and a connection to nature.

What are some of the plans for near future…

We’re excited about what’s ahead. Our focus remains on expanding the Rocco collection, and we’re thrilled to be launching a brand new Rocco wall light very soon, designed with the same texture and inspiration from our coast, it’s perfect for creating warm, ambient spaces. We’re also continuing to explore new colours, natural finishes and forms, while welcoming future collaboration opportunities.

For more information please visit artifact-lighting.com.

Artifact Lighting is part of HOUSE OF ESTILA showroom. To view their Rocco pendants and wall lights please visit us at 66 Turnmill Street, Clerkenwell, EC1M 5RR.

DISCOVER ANOTHER BRITISH BRAND HERE.