For the latest in our series of Featured Business from our CQFinder community, we spoke to Mark Lowe, a Nottingham-based lighting and furniture designer.
Give us your elevator pitch – what does your business do?
At Mark Lowe, we design beautifully simple lighting and other furniture and domestic products, handmade in Nottingham. Our products are available in a range of sustainable timbers. Many of the products offer other choices like; colourful fabric cords, a choice of colourful lampshades or acrylic discs for our Edie coat hooks. Style references range from Arts and Crafts with its honest use of visible construction, through to the scandi style. Quality, honesty and choice is our philosophy, creating a distinctive style that can mix with any good taste. We say all our products should be ‘Beautifully Simple’ and are handmade for you.
Tell us about a piece of work you’ve completed that you’re currently proudest of?
We started off with the 3 lamp designs that I am very proud of but the object I am most proud of is the Edie Coat Stand. This is because of its simplicity and functionality. I love the fact that it folds and when open will hold itself up. The hooks and the tips of the legs end up out of line with each other so you can hang coats and hats without them getting in the way of each other.
What do you love about working in Nottingham?
I’m based at home in Beeston. I’m lucky to have a workshop that’s big enough to be useful. I’m a Nottingham boy, so I do have a lot of love for this city. I’ve found all the small business help really good here. I’ve been involved in quite a few workshops and have attended talks run by the Creative Quarter. I’ve met a lot of other creative business owners and become friends with a few. This has been brilliant as you end up helping each other and getting useful contacts. I think using all the help available is really important.
Share your love for another Nottingham creative or digital business you work with or admire.
One of the people I met a few years ago was Olivia Aspinall whose workshop is based in the Creative Quarter at Sneinton Market. She’s been really helpful to us and is a really lovely person. They produce unique surface designs for interiors which are characterised by their colour and pattern. They are all hand cast and finished in Nottingham. Can I also mention Joff and Ollie who also run Lane studio based at Primary. They are old friends and have helped me from the start. Very talented gents.
Let us know what you’d do on your perfect Nottingham day (global pandemic notwithstanding!)
Yes it does feel like another world right now. It’s a bit weird remembering going out, eating and drinking. In the last year or so I’d say I enjoy a few places to drink with my wife and/or friends. We might meet in the JunkYard which I enjoy and perhaps get to the Malt Cross on St James’ Street. I also like nipping into the Pelican Club later for a cocktail. I must admit I’ve really enjoyed Bar Iberico recently, really good food and service. The Broadway Cinema has also been a big part of my Nottingham life for many years.
You can find out more about Mark Lowe and get in contact with them via their CQFinder profile here. If you'd like to create your own CQFinder profile, click here.
