Name: Andrew Webb & Geoff Collier
Company: Collier Webb
Position within company: Head Designer & Production Director
Website: www.collierwebb.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Founded by Andrew Webb and Geoff Collier in 2011, Collier Webb design and make the highest quality metalwork, lighting and furniture.
Having trained at Sotheby’s bond street and on London’s Pimlico Road, Andrew Webb went on to set up Webb Ltd, where he dealt in antiques, designed interiors and developed his own collection of furniture and lighting.
The guiding force behind a highly respected family business of forty years standing, Geoff Collier is known throughout the industry for the excellence of his restoration and heritage projects, as well as for the standard of his casting services.
History of our Foundry:
We are a British company that has been manufacturing brass, bronze, aluminium and silver castings in Sussex for over 35 years. Founded by the late Cedric Collier who had initially practised casting as a hobby, his new business produced handles and brass pieces for the antique trade – his calling card proudly stating: ‘ Cedric Collier, One Man Band’.
Gradually progressing from humble beginnings working in an ancient barn, he was soon joined by his son Geoff. Over the next decade the company had grown in size and reputation to become one of the foremost manufacturers of cast decorative items in the country. Cedric’s calling card proudly stated: ‘One Man and his Band’ and his daughter Sheila was recruited to manage the office and accounts.
By the time Cedric had retired, the level of sales had risen to the point where larger premises were required and with Geoff at the helm, the move to our current building in Eastbourne took place in 2005. In 2011, to further cope with increased demand, the adjacent unit was acquired to house new machinery and a purpose built wiring room. The band that Cedric created has now grown to over 35 members and with Geoff wielding the baton, the foundry is fully equipped to sustain its growth in the future.
How important are The International Product Design Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Being recognised by The International Product Design Awards is a hugely significant milestone for our company. Having developed our collection over the past five years, it has been a truly gratifying experience and we couldn’t be happier to be sharing it with a growing audience. Designing and testing each of our pieces can up to months at a time and to have four of them shortlisted for the awards is a very special achievement. We will continue to aspire to make the finest quality lighting, furniture and hardware entirely in England.
What projects are you currently working on?
Current projects include interior of the new Norman Hotel in Tel Aviv. This very important collaboration saw the creation of a number of custom light fixtures inspired by twentieth century styles for the Norman Hotel. Located in the heart of the ‘White City’ in Tel Aviv, the hotel consists of two restored Bauhaus style buildings. Featuring bespoke lighting by Collier Webb throughout, our aim was to produce elegant and individual designs that could be personalised to reflect the unique style of the hotel’s composition. Our most recent project in the USA was Tamerina Restaurant in Miami. Furnished with dark wood, brass accents and antique mirrors, the interior evokes Italian glamour with a Miami accent. Inspired by antique and iconic designs, Collier Webb produced a range of bespoke lighting inspired by our noted motifs including the Scallop and Tipsy light. The elegant and versatile interior furnishings also included one of our large Convex Mirror’s; hand silvered and copper antiqued with a spun brass frame.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Over the next twelve months, Collier Webb plans a continuation of growth. With our move to 68 Pimlico Road earlier this year, we are working towards reaching a wider audience in which to expand our business. This new, larger gallery spread over five rooms displays our expanded collection of lighting and furniture and will soon be accompanied by a design studio space where clients can explore our specialised finishes and discuss their bespoke requirements. We will continue to advise on design and the restoration of the interiors of yachts and residential commercial buildings. As the result of detailed planning, we will work with both small and large spaces as we enjoy the logistical challenge of large-scale projects. Bringing our collection to the international markets will also feature in our plan for the coming twelve months.