Festive Gathering

Solidwool tells a fascinating story of sustainability and craftsmanship, each timeless piece is designed to be used, cherished and passed down, much like we do with our most loved Christmas decorations. It is this sense of ‘treasuring’ that we think holds the key to sustainable design. Treasuring the moments, people and things you hold dear, always seems poignant during the festive season - we hope we can capture some of that spirit in Solidwool.

Decorating your gathering spaces takes on a new importance during the festive season, as we invite our friends and loved ones to celebrate with us over Christmas and New Year. As the kitchen or dining table becomes the hub of the home over these winter months, we think it’s important to create the most welcoming space.

With every table comes a chair, and the Hembury chair not only offers a stylish design but all the warmth and texture we could need for the season's festivities. The sophisticated grey tones of the Herdwick fleece, the warm marbled monochromes of Welsh Mountain or the joyful shades of our Colour series, all offer an abundance of options to adorn a festive table. The Hembury chair not only adds to the atmosphere, but makes for a brilliant conversation piece whilst showcasing sustainable British design at its best. 

Our placemats and coasters bring a wonderful finishing touch to any festive gathering. Set a place at your table with Solidwool and treat your guests to the visual warmth of our beautiful Herdwick or Welsh Mountain sets - or consider combining the two for a unique and contrasting look. We used natural wood elements, simple foraged greenery, linen napkins and soft candlelight to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at our Christmas table this year.

Our placemats and coasters showcase the beauty of hardy British Wool up close, with each one expertly crafted in Devon. They also make a unique and considered gift.

Whether you are serving a festive banquet for extended family or an intimate meal for two, you can create a calming and considered dining experience with Solidwool. Our Hembury Chairs are designed to complement each other, allowing for playful combinations of colour and natural fleece. Recycled steel stackable legs are a great option for busy festive households - allowing for clever and compact storage. With all the elements to create a customised dining experience, the Hembury Chairs, Placemats and Coasters add a special touch to the festive table.

Case Study: Solidwool Ceramics with Steve Cook

We’re always inspired by creative minds. Thinking of news ways to do things is the key to progress and change, and we recently discovered the work of Steve Cook, a a self-taught potter who is doing just that.

After a successful career in business, Steve launched his studio, Modern Ceramic, in early 2023, citing his influences as contemporary architecture, Scandinavian and Japanese design, biological structures, sci-fi, and avant-garde fashion.

Our introduction to Steve came when he contacted us to ask about using some of our Solidwool off cuts to incorporate into his ceramic work; we were of course intrigued!

Inspired by finding harmony in the combination and juxtaposition of ceramics with other materials such as wood and sustainable plastic, looking at the work Steve created - the choice to incorporate Solidwool all made sense.

Ceramics, although experiencing a modern revival is a craft about as ancient as they come, using materials from the land to create functional ware, or sculptural art pieces. It is this link to nature that connects Solidwool with the considered clay bodies of Steve’s work, resulting in something really quite special.

Ceramic jars with Solidwool lids | Steve Cook Modern Ceramics

Steve uses a combination of techniques such as wheel throwing as well as more modern experimental methods such as CNC to create these refined forms.

We we’re so inspired by Steve’s work we asked if we could feature some of his bowls in a recent photoshoot alongside our placemats and coasters. The natural colour palette and organic forms are a match made in heaven.

Steve Cook Ceramic Bowls and Solidwool Welsh Mountain Placemats

We recently spoke to Steve about how he first came across Solidwool and he shared with us that he was inspired to buy a side table after seeing us on Instagram.

“Once I saw the material up close and it's unique patterning and detail I knew I wanted to make it a part of some of my work. It's great to work with and complements my ceramic glazes perfectly - I'm so glad it's now available in sheet form and I don't have to beg for offcuts anymore !”

Find more information about Steve and Modern Ceramics on his website, where you can find his portfolio and more information about events, galleries and stockists.

Shop Solidwool placemats and coasters or find our more about the possibilities of our Sheet Material.