Inspiring Icons/ Bodo Sperlein

Portrait of Bodo, Right: Contour range of furniture

Left: Equus Collection for Lladro, Right: Macaroon Spoons for Nikko

Left: Cascade Chandelier, Right: Re Cyclos vase for Lladro

Left and Right: Cloud Mix Ranges for Nikko 

Left: Sensu Tea set for Nikko, Right: Cloud Mix Trinket Boxes

Cloud Mix for Nikko

Left: Golden Timber for Dibbern, Right: Couture Vases

Yauatcha Atelier Range

Left: Unicorn and Horse bottle stoppers for Lladro, Right: Niagara Chandelier for Lladro

Left: Yauatcha Atelier  spoons, Right: Re Cyclos vase for Lladro 

When I first met Bodo it was at 100% Design in the U.K back in 2000, Even by then Bodo was very established, I marveled at his stand and had seen his work featured in Elle Decoration many times. I was a young Editor at the time and was there on behalf of Inside Out Magazine.

Bodo Sperlein was born in Germany before moving to London where he studied Design at Camberwell College of Arts (now part of the University of the Arts London). Supported by a Crafts Council Grant and Sainsbury’s scholarship he set up a showroom at Oxo Tower Wharf on London’s South Bank in 1998 where he still works.

I feel I can see the influence of a German upbringing, in may ways his work reminds me of the 1960’s and 1970’s work that was produced at German Porcelain company, Rosenthal. The fine quality with such attention to color (or the on purpose lack of it) and detail remind me of many of my pieces I have collected from my many trips to Berlin at the Antiques Markets.

Sperlein’s work in materials such as bone china and porcelain have made him a pivotal player in the future of contemporary British industrial ceramics, He pushes beyond these traditions to create surprising contemporary pieces that achieve both a sensuality and intelligence of design.

He has many collaborations and produced signature collections with prominent European Luxury Brands such including Dibbern, Nymphenburg, Lladro and Nikko.

Recently he has also ventured into other areas of Industrial Design, in particular furniture and has produced the Contour range with a ribbon-like profile draws the eye effortlessly around a series of loops terminating in slender legs that conceal their true strength. The lines of traditional furniture has been elongated, and embellished with curves and forms.

Check out his amazing website at http://www.bodosperlein.com/, with a focus on specializing in Product Design, Art Direction and Consultancy. 

Most photos on behalf of Bodo Sperlein.