D&T 10 : a material journey
Rachael Jane Sleight is driven by a passion for materials and timeless design. She developed an in depth knowledge of manufacturing techniques and process whilst designing and developing accessories, lighting and furniture collections in house for Habitat and Conran. Rachael now has her own studio and continues to work on commissions for leading retailers and manufacturers, while teaching at the Glasgow School of Art.
Rachael initiated a thoughtful discussion about her personal ethics as a designer and how she returns to them time and time again. She showed us different objects spanning her enviable career, and revealed some of the considerations behind them. Browsing her portfolio is a journey through an array of products for different audiences, all elegant and each with a surprising detail;
the visually arresting Wire vase for Conran at M&S, the copper wire pinching the glass into an unusual form which jolts our preconceptions about glass as a material,
the charming Paston console for the same collection, with a thoughtful key bowl and brass letter rack, well considered touchpoints to add some ease and luxe to somebody’s day,
the Crumple flat packed pendant shade for Habitat, working with the wrinkled nature of the Tyvek (and flat-packing) instead of against it, resulting in a warm and textured light-shade,
through to her recent explorations in leather and all of the ethical issues associated with it.
She imbues products with a sweetness and charm which is subtle, not garish, and has a sense of function and familiarity. As a designer she has made herself an expert in tactility, haptics and honest material use, through extensive experimentation. As well as succeeding in making me very jealous of her knowledge and skill, Rachael shared valuable insights in working as a commerical designer and balancing the agendas of different people involved, makers, customers, businesses and herself. Navigating this world after graduation is scary, but these seminars throughout the term have diffused some of that fear by shedding light on the realities of working as a designer, while emphasising crucial advice to centre ourselves and our careers as we please. I am truly grateful to Rachael and the other designers who have spoken to us for their honesty and generosity about these matters. I was captivated by her discussion throughout, and it delights me to have met and learned from another great designer in our midst.