Modern Pendant Lighting Design

When designer Peter Bowles designed his first bone china light, saving a factory and helping the employees keep their jobs was not something he thought he'd be doing. The story begins in Stoke-on-Trent, the heart of the British ceramics industry, where its prized porcelain has been produced for more than three centuries. Bowles convinced a tableware factory to produce his first design, but as the orders started to come in, he learned the factory would be closing. Rather than moving production overseas, Bowles bought the factory and offered the entire staff new jobs with his company, Original BTC. Designed in 2000, The Drop 1 Pendant is beautifully crafted of hand-cast bone china. Creating these lights involves a highly skilled, labor-intensive process that begins with raw clay and ends with biscuit firing, glazing, glossing and firing again. When lit, the shade has a translucent glow that allows for warm diffused light. Attention to detail is at the heart of every Drop 1 Pendant, right down to the braided cord, which was designed by Peter and can be found on every light his company makes. Drop 1 Pendant, Grouping of 6 by Peter Bowles is UL listed and suitable for contract use. Photos: Design Within Reach.