Brand spotlight on CTO Lighting

By / October 26th, 2020 / There are currently 0 comments

 

WE RECENTLY PUT SOME QUESTIONS TO THE FOUNDERS OF THIS SORT-AFTER BRAND CTO LIGHTING FOR THIS MONTH’S BRAND SPOTLIGHT.

Solaris Twin Pendant LightABOUT CTO LIGHTING 

CTO Lighting is an exclusive, luxury lighting company, which celebrates contemporary design, premium materials and British craftsmanship.

Our designs illuminate the interiors of iconic landmarks, commercial developments and prestigious residences around the world. We hand selects the finest materials, which are meticulously crafted into their unique designs, creating iconic and memorable lights. The signature materials of satin brass, bronze, alabaster, mouthblown and handmade glass are combined with design influences from both nature and architecture. The handmade nature of the products results in truly unique lights, which produce a warm, ambient glow, setting a mood of sophistication and elegance. There is a longevity to CTO Lighting products; the design and manufacturing process is always carefully considered and is timeless beyond trends.

Lights can be selected from the CTO Lighting collection or may be customised for your individual requirements.

 

HISTORY & FOUNDERS

Founded in 1998 by Chris and Clare Turner, CTO Lighting launched their first collection on the guiding principles of designing lights of uncompromising quality, using only the finest materials and working with elite British craftsmen. This collection of lighting symbolised elegance and the excellence of British design and manufacturing; the benchmark for all future collections.Lunar Large Pendant Light

Chris, CEO, an engineer by training, gained great technical expertise to design and manufacture lighting with meticulous detail. Clare, Creative Director, formerly worked in fashion and has provided invaluable design and commercial expertise.

Realising there was a demand for more premium, contemporary lighting, Chris and Clare focused on more luxurious materials in their fixtures; hand-finished brass, mouthblown glass and artisan-crafted stone. This refinement in the use of materials enabled CTO Lighting to be recognised as a contemporary, luxury lighting company, manufacturing in the UK.

CTO Lighting has worked with leading industry figures including David Collins Studio, Philippe Starck and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, on prestigious interiors worldwide. CTO Lighting has been commissioned for bespoke lighting for The Savoy Hotel, The Dorchester London, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and Chiltern Firehouse.

Under the creative direction of Chris and Clare, CTO Lighting has worked with respected and award-winning designers, to bring depth to their collection; Autoban, Michaël Verheyden, Stéphane Parmentier.

In 2016, CTO Lighting opened its first exclusive Showroom in London, providing a space to showcase its luxurious products. The CTO Lighting collection is now distributed globally to some of the foremost design-led retailers and works with leading international interior designers and architects.

 

SPOTLIGHT QUESTIONS

  • What inspired the founders of CTO Lighting to start the company and what was the inspiration behind the name CTO?

We have always been passionate about designing and making and felt that the market lacked a contemporary lighting collection which was fresh and relevant for the Interiors of our generation.

We wanted to live with lights that were elegant and decorative but not fussy and traditional. Inspired by modern European design and travelling for inspiration, we set about putting our own unique British spin on Contemporary Lighting and began looking for a manufacturer who could make them with the care and precision we wanted.

C = Chris and Clare    T = Turner   O = Original designs

  • What makes CTO Lighting different from other brands?

Our exacting standards and our preference to use pure, natural materials combined with our more contemporary aesthetic sets us apart. We keep our manufacturing close to home so we can work with our artisans to create something that is unique.

 

  • What has been the top 3 company highlights since the business began in 1998?

Opening our showroom in 2016 in London in a converted Georgian building.

Exhibiting at the Saloni Del Mobili in Milan for the first time in where we meet the interior designers and architects around the world who use our products in their schemes.

Meeting with our agents and dealers for a fun dinner to share our success with our team.

 

  • Have any of the CTO products been featured in iconic buildings or well-known projects?

Quite a few…St Pancras Hotel, The Savoy, The Eurostar, The Great Northern Hotel, Kings Cross, Chiltern Street Firehouse, The Rosewood Hotel and the list goes on…

 

  • Do the founders have a favourite piece within their range or products, and why is it their favourite?

Clare – I never tire of the Nimbus… the way the glass reflects the light is ever-changing and gives a beautiful soft warm glow.

Chris – Acropolis table. Entirely crafted from alabaster stone, it is so unique and the hand chilled markings are so beautifully crafted…. each maker making his mark makes it truly unique… and a little piece of history.

Thirdly the Lucid collection. It is so tactile as the alabaster dome is so sculptural, you can stroke it!

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