Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon is an Industrial Designer, born in Africa but based in the UK. He is known for mainly lighting as well as furniture and product design. He moved to the UK when he was 4 and while at school became curious in materials and form. He played in a band full time as well as designing his first piece, the Spiral Light which he says was the first move towards his passion for lighting design. He started working at Habitat in 1998 as Head of Design and progressed to Creative Director.

In 2002 he founded his brand Tom Dixon where he worked in the office in London. Designing the Mirror Ball was the snowball of his iconic lighting designs. It is an understated design that has a lot of impact within a space. I think his Melt Pendant is one of my personal favourites as it reminds me of aether and space, as well as one of my favourite projects I have done in college. Something that fascinates me. I think its the organic form of the light where there is no order and it suspends above the space. It is the way in which he moulds the lamps with a traditional casting method and the sheer material he uses to create this mesmerising beautiful lamp.

Tom also managed the company Artek, founded by Alvar Aalto, an innovative Finnish furniture company. He has worked on a number of interior projects too so can be called both industrial and interior designer. In 2015 Dixon was given space in Selfridges where he has showcased his products, both lighting and home accessories.

His Etch pendants are refined and minimal while the light reflected around the space from the shape of the perforated material is fascinating. His lights are bold and although understated, take the limelight. He has worked with companies such as Cappellini as well as IKEA this year. Collaborating to create a Modular piece named DELAKTIG. Tom's concept was a bed that can be used as a sofa - a Bed Sofa, however IKEA regulations labelled it a sofa bed, equipped with attachments such as side table, small reading lamp and detachable seating pods in a range of colours with a brushed silver frame.