Tom Dixon

Why We Love Tom Dixon

In his effort to help revitalize British industry, Dixon has taken traditional industrial processes and transformed them into a means for incredible modern lighting, home accessories and furniture. Metal is hand-spun, beaten and polished. Like car headlights or glass insulators, glass is molded and pressed into sparkling shades. By opening up the previously unexplored decorative avenues possible with industrial technologies, Tom Dixon expresses an undeniable sense of independence and, yes, industriousness.

Noteworthy Products from Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon was among the first designers to use the industrial process of vacuum metallization to create lighting. Primarily used in the manufacture of auto parts, insulation, food packaging and so forth, vacuum metallization involves vaporizing a thin layer of pure metal at a very high temperature and then sucking it onto a plastic surface by applying an electrical charge.

Dixon was also in a band in the 1980s. Named Funkapolitan, it was an 8-piece band formed in the wake of the punk movement, which allowed British youth to create without formal training.

Noteworthy Lighting From Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon first perfected the use of vacuum metallization on two products: the space helmet-inspired Mirror Ball collection in 2003, and the warm Copper Shade collection in 2005. The rustic texture of hand-beaten Indian food storage vessels inspired the line of variably shaped Beat Lights, with shimmering golden interiors and white (2011) or black (2007) exteriors.

Ceiling Lights

Dixon's ceiling lights often serve as the focal point of a room, with the iconic "Melt" and "Beat" series exemplifying his approach. The "Melt" lights, with their distorted globular shapes and mesmerizing, molten glass effect, transform light into a dazzling display. Meanwhile, the "Beat" collection draws inspiration from traditional Indian water vessels, featuring hammered metal and sleek, sculptural forms that play with light and shadow in dynamic ways.

Furniture

While primarily known for lighting, Dixon's furniture pieces carry his signature industrial chic aesthetic. The "Pylon" series, for example, includes chairs and tables defined by their architectural, lattice-like structures, combining strength and elegance. His use of bold, metallic finishes and innovative forms challenges traditional furniture design, making each piece a statement in any space.

Wall Sconces

Tom Dixon's wall sconces, such as those in the "Stone" series, marry functionality with decorative art. Crafted from materials like marble and brass, these sconces offer ambient lighting that enhances the mood of a room. Their minimalist design, accentuated by luxurious materials, adds a touch of sophistication to walls, turning them into canvases of light and texture.

Floor + Table Lamps

In the realm of floor and table lamps, Dixon's creativity shines through pieces like the "Mirror Ball" and "Bell" lamps. These designs reflect his fascination with reflective surfaces and simple geometric forms. The "Mirror Ball" lamp, for example, is a testament to Dixon's innovative use of materials, offering a futuristic take on lighting with its polished metallic finish that casts an ambient glow.

Decor

Beyond lighting, Tom Dixon's foray into home decor includes accessories that complement his larger pieces. Items like the "Tank" series of glassware and the "Cog" collection of desk accessories demonstrate Dixon's flair for transforming everyday objects into works of art. Each piece reflects his industrial aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that even the smallest items can make a significant impact.