TEN QUESTIONS, TEN ANSWERS: Alexander Taylor

By Christine Samuelian

At 33 Alexander Taylor is one of the youngest product designers to have made it big in the international design world with iconic shapes like the powder-coated steel Antlers coathanger, the solid oak and rubber Kids Rock rocking chair, and the Fold lamp, a version of which is manufactured by Established & Sons. Alex lives in the seaside town of Deal, Kent, with his wife and two kids, Wilf, 4, and Clara, 18 months.

LittleBig: What inspired your now famous Kids Rock rocking chair [pictured bottom]?

AT: I saw an old children’s rocking chair at a friend’s house. At the time we didn’t have kids but I was instantly struck with this image of children kicking back in front of the fire, relaxing after a tough day - I just thought it was a funny concept. It also gave me an opportunity to design a very pure piece without having to worry too much about ergonomic and comfort complaints. I wanted to design something that would survive long after the children have grown up and left home. It was never my intention to do a version for the grown-ups - I like the idea of the children having their own individuality and furniture.

LB: Any other kid-related products?

AT: The Antlers coat hook [£59, pictured right]. It’s a highly graphic and functional piece that lends itself perfectly to a child’s bedroom wall. [And we also love Alex's flat Fold lamp with coloured flex, pictured below, great for older kids' bedside tables].

LB: Any more child-related ideas in the pipeline?

AT: I’ve had a few thoughts that may develop into both playful objects and serious children’s furniture. I’d love to design a good high chair - there are already a couple of good ones on the market but I think it would be a challenge. It’s such a fundamental part of the kitchen and you have to live with it and use it three or more times every day. I’d also like to design a bed that helps children sleep all night and at least until 7.30am during the week and 11am at the weekends - I’d make a fortune!

LB: How important is it for you that your kids are surrounded by good design?

AT: I can’t stand throw-away, rubbish design or actually non-design in any form. Having children has made me appreciate how much they do take in and respond to objects both positively and negatively. I often consult my four-year-old Wilf, as he is guaranteed to give me an honest opinion - the world is very black and white for the first few years. I want my children to understand the value of what surrounds them.

We bought Wilf an aluminium “first bike’ for his first birthday. I couldn’t resist, it was far too big for him but I just wanted it around. He certainly got use out of it and it was amazing how many people, both parents and other children, stopped him to ask where he got it. This proves that good design is noticed and appreciated.

LB: How frustrated or disappointed are you at what is on the kids’ market?

AT: It is getting better, I think. The problem is always budget though! The most important thing, and this is probably why many designers turn to designing children’s furniture once kids come along, is that the parents have to live with it as well and if only a few key pieces can enhance a space then it helps contain visually all the other stuff that inevitably appears over time with children.

LB: Who are your design heroes and how have they influenced the look of your products (for kids and otherwise)?

AT: My design heroes are those most industrial in process and design but whose work best represents their personality. Enzo Mari, Achille Castiglioni, Jean Prouvé and British designer Ernest Race, to name a few. I wouldn’t say any have specially influenced individual pieces but they have all certainly influenced a design language and philosophy I subscribe to.

LB: What are the best things you remember from your own childhood?

AT: My PlayMobil horses that came with ‘cowboy and Indian’ figures. And I used to collect miniature cars. Subconsciously I think they’ve both influenced my work.

LB: Aside from your furniture and rugs, what’s left to design?
AT:  Something used by millions - not sure what that would be though yet, but certainly everyday objects I find interesting.

LB: The best thing about being a designer?

AT: Being able to create pieces people invest in and buy because they really want to live with them. It’s super-satisfying to hear from people who have bought my work or received it as a gift. It’s also really important to me to be trying to create work which will be around for a long time - I guess it’s a small way to leave my mark.

LB: The best thing about being a Dad?

AT: The hugs.

*Alexander Taylor: www.alexandertaylor.com. Buy the Kids Rock chair and Antlers coat hanger at www.thorstenvanelten.com