Barber Osgerby
Olivari Designers
London, 1966
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.
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.
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.
Tip Ton, Vitra, 2018 / © Peer Lindgreen
Olympic Torch, LOCOG, 2012 / © Sandro Sodano