Introducing Alma, a collaboration between our Director Charlie Bowles and Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman, combining our best-of-British approach and ethos with Heuman’s inimitable eye for design and detail.

Hand Made in Stoke-on-Trent

Briefed to design a practical collection of easy-to-place ceramic fittings, the process began with a trip to our Stoke-on-Trent factory, where Beata took inspiration from bone china’s “almost ethereal quality.”

“I was inspired by the brand itself, both in terms of manufacturing processes and materials,” explains Beata. “Before my visit I didn't appreciate how each shade is worked on by hand, lovingly passed from person to person before it goes into the kiln.”

Mid-Century Scandi Design

The resulting shade is one of the most labour-intensive to date, featuring 41 hand-made holes which when lit, says Beata, look like little glowing stars at night.

Nodding to mid-century Scandinavian designs in pop colours, the hand-painted shade and base are presented in three colourways:

“Seaweed is masculine and moody, Natural is just that, while Coral is a dot above the i in an interiors scheme.”

Continues Charlie: “Beata was keen for the product to age, hence our use of unlacquered polished brass, which over time will patina and build its own character. From the dimmer and arm to the effect of the perforated shade, these unexpected details very much reflect Beata’s input and show her development of our signature details and look.”

A Perfect Partnership

Beata reflects on the final collection, named after her daughter Alma: “The sense of play is a bit more me, and the easy nature is more Original BTC. I love the combination of materials—the bone china, the brass, and the colours—especially when they are on and the light is reflected in all these different elements. It really sings!”

Charlie shares the sentiment: “It’s a clear meeting of Original BTC x Beata Heuman. The full flavours of both brands are so clear to see, and it’s a truly beautiful product. Just as I’d hoped—but better!”

“Alma is our second collaboration in 30 years,” Charlie explains. “Our first, with Sir Terence Conran, features on the cover of Beata’s recent book. She often specifies our lights, using them in unique and inspiring ways, so the prospect of her interpreting our aesthetic and values was very exciting.”

Beata adds, “I first came across Original BTC when working for Nicky Haslam and have had an affinity with the brand ever since. It is my first collaboration, but I was instantly keen. I like the simplicity, the reassuringly good quality. You know they will stand the test of time.”

Learn more about Beata Heuman here.