Barber Osgerby

Olivari Designers

Barber Osgerby

Olivari Designers

LONDON, 1996

Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby founded their East London studio in 1996, after studying architecture together at the Royal College of Art. For more than two decades their work has challenged the boundaries of design in this country and abroad, while their commitment to lecturing, workshops and studio practice supports the development of new generations of designers.

Paddle
2022
Tab Lamp, Flos, 2007 / © Barber Osgerby Studio
Tab Lamp, Flos, 2007 / © Barber Osgerby Studio
Barber Osgerby_Portrait / © Jessica Klingelfuss
Barber Osgerby_Portrait / © Jessica Klingelfuss

Barber and Osgerby’s approach is characterised by its emphasis on experimentation and innovation and an exploratory attitude to Matteriality and colour. From these areas of focus emerge solutions that reflect the close relationship of their work with industrial processes and new technologies.

There are also affinities with fine art, illustrated most clearly in large-scale installations such as Double Space (2014) – a series of revolving mirrors suspended from the ceiling of the Raphael Gallery in the V&A – and Forecast (2016) – a wind-powered work installed at Somerset House, as part of the first London Design Biennale.

Tip Ton, Vitra, 2018
Tip Ton, Vitra, 2018 / © Peer Lindgreen
Olympic Torch, LOCOG, 2012 / © Sandro Sodano
Olympic Torch, LOCOG, 2012 / © Sandro Sodano