The Art of Design Issue 26 2017 | Page 10

10 FUNCTIONAL SCULPTURE A POWERFUL THING The name of the Brooklyn-based company comes from the founding fathers: Theo Richardson, Charles Brill and Alexander Williams. A happy coincidence that their surnames lent themselves so willingly to a lighting company. Yet somehow the three adjectives speak volumes about their approach to lighting. “Light is a powerful thing. Rich Brilliant Willing believes that nothing is more important in shaping our sense of well-being than quality of light”. HAND-CRAFTED PERFECTIONISM For Staffan it was their rigorous approach to their craft that stood them apart. He explains “for me, RBW combines the artisan qualities (making most of their luminaires in their Brooklyn studio) with an OCD-esque perfectionism. Handmade should not imply a tolerance of imperfection. A bad welding joint is not evidence of being handmade; it is a bad welding joint. RBW’s execution and attention to detail is second-to-none. “ A stand-out piece for Staffan is Cinema (pictured below). Designed by David Rockwell (as is the Witt) it is a subtle display of cutting-edge technology, both in the fine-tuned warmth of the LEDs and in the construction & crafts- m anship. Each satin opal globe embellishes a plated ring and the luxe metal finishes exude an Old Hollywood charm, which led to its theatrical name. 4