She loves to experiment. Colours, patterns and materials in particular.
The works of Bethan Laura Wood move between art, design and craftsmanship. All of them being quite extravagant items. The English designer, who has her own studio in London, studied product design at the Royal College of Art under Martino Gamper and Jurgen Bey. She designs furniture, lamps, jewellery and carpets for manufacturers such as Moroso, Hermès and Kvadrat.
For Rosenthal, Bethan Laura Wood dared to take on a real classic: the tac porcelain set that Walter Gropius developed in the 1960s with his architectural practice by the name of the architects collaborative. She has designed a graphic motif that is inspired by the woven works of Bauhaus. Her second project for Rosenthal is a creatively and technically sophisticated tea set that is available in dyed porcelain.
Tongue
Hommage to the classic
Inspired by the combination of the lid and handle on Walter Gropius’ TAC teapot, British designer Bethan Laura Wood created a tea set that is both striking and expressive in homage to the iconic original.
A distinctive slender handle, the rim of which protrudes over the lid, and a spout featuring a sunken relief create the linear body of the pot. The teapot lid, with its profiled upturned shape, is in dialogue with the handle. The limited tea set is available in the colour variants "Peacock" and "Pelican".
Tac Rhythm
Bauhaus inspired art of weaving
Bethan Laura Wood is particularly appreciated for her experimental designs that play with colour and material. For the Bauhaus anniversary year, the British designer created an expressive jubilee motif reminiscent of overlapping warp and weft threads in the manufacture of textiles, providing the austere shape with a flowing and, at the same time, playfully colourful motif.
About
Bethan Laura Wood
We talked to the designer about her love of crafts, her epiphanies in Selb and English tea time with German porcelain.
WHAT IS IT THAT FASCINATES YOU ABOUT CRAFTS?
Working with craftspeople interested me even during my design degree at the Royal College of Art in London. I noticed that I can achieve the best results and learn the most when I can establish a dialogue with someone. That is why, for nearly all my projects, I co-operate with people or companies that have particular artisanal skills.
WAS THIS THE FIRST TIME YOU’VE WORKED WITH PORCELAIN?
Yes, in a professional context, this is the first time I’ve worked with porcelain. That’s why I was very excited when Rosenthal approached me – a company with such comprehensive expertise in this area. However, I was involved with ceramics as a child. I remember how much this material fascinated me as a twelve-year-old.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE WORKS OF ROSENTHAL?
I particularly value the artistic creations that were produced in co-operation with designers in the 60s – such as the works by one of my favourite artists: Eduardo Paolozzi. That is why I felt so honoured when Rosenthal offered to collaborate with me.
YOU ARE FROM LONDON. HOW DID YOU LIKE SELB?
Visiting Philip Rosenthal’s castle in Selb-Erkersreuth was a real eye-opening experience. It is furnished with amazing pieces of art: You can see a hand-painted golden door with playful motifs by the Danish designer Bjørn Wiinblad, three-dimensional porcelain tiles by Victor Vasarely and other great items from the sixties and the crazy seventies – and many other works that were created during Rosenthal’s co-operation with artists and designers. All these impressions and experiences have had an influence on my work.
YOU ALSO VISITED THE ROSENTHAL PORCELAIN FACTORY AT ROTHBÜHL THAT WALTER GROPIUS DESIGNED IN THE 1960S
Watching the production and getting to know the different techniques was really interesting to me. The contrasts there have especially impressed me – so many different worlds come together in one place:
On the one hand, the factory produces items such as TAC that have a Bauhaus tradition. On the other hand, they make extravagant Versace pieces. I was also impressed by the employees’ artisanal skills, their dedication and attention to detail.
YOUR NAME IS A BYWORD FOR INTENSE COLOURS AND EXCITING PATTERNS. WHAT IDEAS DID YOU HAVE FOR ROSENTHAL?
The tea set I have designed will be available in dyed porcelain – in the colours Hot Coral, Mild Turquoise, Chewinggum, Deep Peacock and Hot Mustard. Inspired by Bauhaus, in particular by Anni and Josef Albers’ woven works, I also developed a new motif for the TAC tea set by Walter Gropius. The colourful motif is reminiscent of overlapping warp and weft threads. I wanted to strike a balance between Gropius’ strict shape and my idea of design. I like things colourful and bright. (laughs)
DID YOU HAVE RESPECT FOR THE TASK? AFTER ALL, TAC IS A TRUE DESIGN CLASSIC
Yes, I really respected the task and it took me a while until I was sure what I wanted to do with it. In a way, it was a dialogue between TAC and me. My motif is designed to highlight the movement, the flow of the shape – especially the tea pot.
HOW WAS WORKING WITH ROSENTHAL?
It was really enriching. We shared our knowledge and learned from each other. First, I suggested some ideas, then we discussed as a team if they would work or not. The technical development of my designs was also very interesting. After all, they should work in everyday life.
DO YOU USE TAC AT HOME?
I took a few pieces to my father in London. I knew he would like them.
SO NOW YOUR FATHER DRINKS HIS ENGLISH TEA FROM A GERMAN TEA CUP?
Yes, that’s right. (laughs)
Rosenthal Porcelain Collections
Rosenthal has stood for innovation and design, quality, sophisticated craftsmanship and perfect porcelain for over 130 years. In cooperation with designers, artists and architects, such as Walter Gropius, Raymond Loewy, Patricia Urquiola or Christophe de la Fontaine unusual, timeless and modern collections of porcelain have been produced for households and gastronomy that express an individual and exclusive table culture. Glasses, sets of cutlery, pots, kitchen helpers, furniture and accessories complement the fascinating world of products in the Living and Gifts sectors. Our products are found at specialist retailers in Germany and in more than 105 countries throughout the world.
Discover our entire range of well-designed cups, glasses, plates and sets of cutlery to match every occasion at the Rosenthal online shop, too. From a glamorous wedding to a relaxing BBQ evening or a stylish Christmas present, our brands Rosenthal, Rosenthal meets Versace, Thomas, Hutschenreuther and Sambonet offer tasteful and trend-conscious products that suit your lifestyle.
Let our products inspire you to take joy in the process of giving presents to your loved ones and to make your own home more beautiful.
