Saturday was such a lovely day. It was wintry and clear, and perfect for a train ride to Hebden Bridge for the launch of Hannah Nunn’s new book. The launch party was held at her lovely lighting shop Radiance, which was buzzing with family, friends and shoppers cooing over the book and over all the delights the store has to offer.
Illuminate is a gorgeous book about contemporary craft lighting. Hannah – a talented lighting designer herself – introduces some extraordinary work from other designers from around the world. Divided into eight sections by material – ceramics, textiles, paper, print, wood, metal, glass and recycled materials – this book showcases just what is possible with light, skill and imagination.
My personal favourites were the fine bone china light installation which looks like a shoal of fish (by Scabetti), the colourful lampshades created by Maxine Sutton, and the stunning delicate chandeliers by Emerald Faerie. And of course Hannah’s own work (which led me to commissioning a whole load of special lights for my own wedding…)
This book feels really special to me, as it takes me back to a wonderful day spent in Kyoto with Hannah and Natalie Seager (who were visiting), and Ai Kawauchi, one of the talented designers featured in the book. It was the first time Hannah and Ai had actually met, having worked on Ai’s contribution by email up until that point. It was so lovely to witness two people from opposite sides of the world instantly connected by their shared love of craft lighting.
I also loved seeing so many friends of Do What You Love featured in the book, including Andrew Ooi, Rachel Hazell and Priscilla Jones.
I know how much love and hard work Hannah put into the book, and you can sense it on every page. I highly recommend it! You can get your copy on Amazon here.
[Images courtesy of Hannah Nunn]
