Curiousa & Curiousa design and manufacture hand-blown glass lighting from their Derbyshire workshop. Esther Patterson, their designer and founder, has a real passion for all things British-made and for true craftsmanship, so is proud to be part of an emergence of traditional British skills. 

Esther launched her business in 2010 having graduated as a mature student with a first class degree in Decorative Arts. Her first studio was a caravan parked on the family drive. At university she initially specialised in fabric and wallpaper design and slip cast bone-china table lamps. She would spend many hours experimenting - piecing together different cast forms in various formations. She was then given an opportunity to work with a glass blower and experienced a eureka moment.

"I just loved the jewel like quality of the hand-blown glass. He was blowing the shapes I'd designed but they came alive with the most beautiful colours, bringing together my true loves, colour and form. There was no looking back."

Her first glass light collection was spotted by Liberty London during a 'Designer Open Call' in 2010.

"I remember having to queue up for hours on the day, carrying glass and ceramic lights, as well as wallpapers and fabrics." recalls Esther. "But it was all worth it in the end as they decided to retail some of my first designs - it was a real confidence boost and stamp of approval".

Now with a small close-knit team working from a historic Derbyshire Mill, each of Esther's designs still seeks to bring out the intrinsic beauty of the glass itself, and this focus has helped establish Curiousa's reputation in the decorative lighting industry.

Every order placed is made specially in their workshop. All the glass is free-blown, without the use of moulds, in the UK and is personal to them from single pendants to large scale chandeliers. Customers, designers and architects alike will get the same intimate level of service they pride ourselves on.

Our pendants, chandeliers and bespoke creations can be seen hanging proudly in Harvey Nichols, Jamie Oliver’s, Empire Theatre Liverpool, London Hilton Bankside and many more worldwide locations.

CURIOUSA MOVING FORWARD

It’s been a hard time for all of us during the COVID 19 pandemic. After much thought we have decided to move our London showroom to Wirksworth, Derbyshire. We’re planning a much larger space in a new building next to our workshop. This will make socially distanced appointments easier and we’ll be able to set up virtual appointments too. For our customers in the London area we have available one of our designers to visit trade customers directly or have an appointment at a Martin Moore Kitchen showroom in Fulham.

Curiousa in the Community

Curiousa and Curiousa has from its’ outset strived to play its part in the local community and to take their social and environmental responsibilities seriously. From being happy to offer work experience to local schools and colleges; from sourcing from UK suppliers to minimise transport miles, to using biodegradable packaging; we are passionate supporters of local and global causes we believe in.

The Northern Light Cinema
Since 2013 Curiousa & Curiousa has supported our local independent cinema, which was created by Esther, our Founder and Director and her husband Paul, our General Manager. Since opening its doors the cinema has proved a real community asset, providing both a social and cultural hub as well as employment opportunities and a showcase for local artists, film makers and artisan suppliers. www.thenorthernlightcinema.co.uk

Anne & Fiz
In 2019 we committed to supporting the planting of trees, shrubs and hedgerows to help re-wild our planet, through a network of dedicated and passionate small holders - so not only do we fund the planting of trees, but we make friends with some amazing and inspirational people, such as Anne & Fiz (pictured).

With 4 acres of rolling farmland in Germany, they have run an organic B&B (Simple Life Farm) for five years, built on the principles of diverse and sustainable permaculture. In that short space of time they have helped establish a huge resurgence in wildlife - as well as a deserved reputation for serving the best breakfast in Westphalia!