Best British Designer-Makers: Hannah Nunn

In two weeks time, designer-makers from across the UK, will be setting up their stands at Spinningfields, Manchester, in anticipation for the launch of the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2013.

Being an avid admirer of contemporary craft, I’ve visited the fair over the past couple of years. It’s a wonderful opportunity for exhibitors, retailers and the general public to meet makers showcasing a selection of ceramics, jewellery, glass, interior and fashion textiles, wood, silver and furniture. Plus you can make a choice purchase or two in preparation for Christmas. There I said it,  the dreaded ‘C’ word!

One of this year’s exhibitors is Hannah Nunn, designer and maker of paper cut lighting and printed wallpaper, owner of Radiance lighting shop in Hebden Bridge and author of Illuminate. I met with Hannah for tea and morning chat in her new studio to discuss lamps, wallpaper and dreaming big!

When and how did you first become interested in making and designing paper-cut lighting?

I’ve been making my lights for eleven years now. When my kids were small and I only had a couple of hours in my working day. I made a range of intricate paper cut greeting cards which sold well but weren’t ever going to make me a living! They were an important step along the way though. I was always holding the paper cut silhouettes up to the light and a friend in my studio group suggested I made lights. It was a great idea and was the beginning of me crafting a niche in the designer maker lighting world.

Apart from the natural world, what else inspires you and your work?

It’s a simple desire to sustain myself by doing something that I love that fuels me.  Hearing about people following their dreams and passions and starting creative businesses inspires me a lot.

Describe a typical day in your studio.

Everyday has a different flavour. Mondays are sacred. I try and keep them all to myself for designing and playing. I don’t answer the phone or look at emails. I might be drawing or designing on the computer or playing with materials to make new things.

Tuesdays are a bit more of that but usually turn in to admin and fiddly things that are crying out for attention. Paying bills, answering emails, ordering stuff etc.

Wednesdays and Thursdays are serious all hands on deck making days. These are the days I get help in the studio and we get a lot done together. Thursdays always start off with a cup of tea and a fruit bun from Saker bakers which my Dad picks up on his way to the studio. I share a studio with some friends and everyone joins in. It’s a nice way to start the day.

Every day is lovely. The studio is bright and light and peaceful and we have those suction pad bird feeders on the windows so there are always cheeky blue tits and chaffinches coming and going.

What is your favourite part of the making process?

I guess it would be seeing a new lamp design illuminated for the first time. It’s always uplifting.

What has been the highest point (so far!) of your career?

Moving into my dream studio earlier this year was a very high point. My high points are always when ideas that begin as doodles in sketchbooks or Pinterest boards become reality….like opening the shop or seeing my wallpaper come of the printing machines in the factory for the first time. Soooo exciting and fulfilling.

Your latest adventure is designing a wallpaper range, how did this come about?

Last year during a lamp photo shoot we used a piece of beautiful Japanese screen printed paper as a backdrop for my lamps. It looked so perfect and I thought I’d design some of my own on a similar theme. It worked really well and gave me big ideas. I took the Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design e-course to help me learn all about pattern making and about the pattern industry. I learned loads and found enough inspiration to launch my own range of papers. It’s been a big learning curve but a very exciting one!

Name three of your favourite UK designer-makers.

That is tough because the designer/maker community is my world and there are a billion that I love.

Recently I discovered a shop in Frome called ‘Owl’ which was part owned by wirework artist Mel Day. I bought her wirework chairs and an exquisite wooden ladder. Now she’s a favourite. I fell in love with the Gladys Paulus bowls in the shop too.

I find Cleo Mussi’s mosaics lovely. I have some of her mosaic hands in my bathroom.

Cindy Ashbridge is a jeweller that I love. She makes beautiful rings that jangle!

How has the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair raised your profile?

Oh the Great Northern has been great for me. It’s wonderful to do such a prestigious show and be in such good company as the talent there is amazing and the quality of the work exquisite. It’s been nice to have exhibited every year since the show first began. It has helped solidify my place as a designer/maker in the North. As it’s only 40 minutes from Hebden Bridge, every year I invite people at the show to come and visit my shop. And they do. People know I’m here now and know where to come if they want unusual designer/maker lighting.

What would your advice be to aspiring designer-makers?

Surround yourself with other makers.  Community is important to help you on your way. Work hard and just keep working hard.  Keep playing and experimenting. Those little ideas that may seem silly at the time might lead you to your ‘thing’. Dream big (why not?). Have fun. And business wise, start a mailing list early on. Those people on it want to hear from you.

Outside of work, what three things make you happy?

Hearing my kids playing music together, yoga and walking in the woods.

Visit Hannah’s website and blog for more inspiration.

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is held in Manchester between Thursday 10-13 October. For information on the event including all the exhibitors taking  part and details regarding the preview night which will officially feature as part of Fashion’s Night Out, Vogue’s annual celebration of shopping and fashion, pop across to the website.

See you there! 

♥