The primary distinction between sculpture and architecture is that the latter focuses on functionality. Lee Broom challenges the status quo by fusing art and design in the Alchemist Collection, a range of lighting solutions that centre on the balance and interconnection of sculptural metal forms containing light.
Exploring the philosophical traditions and practice of alchemy, the Alchemist collection delves into concepts related to the transformation of common base metals into objects of noble desire.
“The Alchemist resonated with me on many levels. It occurred to me that we designers and artists are also alchemists, physically creating something from nothing that has function, beauty and purpose. And at the core, I always design primarily from a place of emotion, which emphasises the notion that everything is connected, physically and spiritually,” Broom explains.
Lee Broom aimed to produce a line of lighting that examined both the physical and metaphysical aspects of the age-old craft, referencing themes of astrology, mythology and folklore.
“These stories from mythology and folklore are rich with drama and intrigue. They became a great source of inspiration and knowledge and the stories still resonate and influence the world today. They are metaphors for life.”
The Alchemist collection is divided into four distinct lighting ranges—Mythos, King, Solstice and Gemini—spanning pendant lights, chandeliers and wall sconces, and focuses on the traditional welding of brass, while combining this base metal with glass, acrylic and leather.
With a plethora of intricately hidden technical details, Broom’s designs find unique and inventive ways to encapsulate light sources. Inspired by the design of Egyptian jewellery dating back to antiquity, Mythos brass pendant lights and wall sconces are distinguished by illuminated spheres imprisoned within interconnected rectangular links. The wiring is sewn into the leather straps that these lights hang from, creating the illusion that there are no cables at all.
The Solstice wall sconce alludes to the spiritual rites associated with Stonehenge on the summer and winter solstices. The square brass frame that surrounds the globe references the stone’s monolithic shape, while the illuminated, opaque glass globe glows like the sun.
Gemini delves into the traditional traits of the astrological sign while also making reference to the tools, crucibles, and flasks utilised in alchemical laboratories. This sophisticated light fixture is made up of two opposing halves that asymmetrically join to form a single linearly illuminated object. Similar to Broom’s famous Crescent Light, Gemini is made of an illuminated capsule that can be sliced and shifted to reveal a brushed brass facia. It can be hung either vertically or horizontally.
The crowning glory of the Alchemist collection, King is a majestic chandelier of significant proportions. With its medieval and brutalistic qualities, King was originally envisioned around the character of the King of Salem in ‘The Alchemist’ book and the legend of Kind Arthur. It is formed of individual brushed metal leaves that have been folded, tapered and brushed by hand to create multiple tiered rings, each concealing a hidden illuminated glow that envelopes the golden leaves, casting shadows and light.
Conceptual lighting designer Lee Broom is one of the United Kingdom’s leading product designers who, in 2017, celebrated a decade in design. Lee Broom can now be found at Space Furniture in their Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur showrooms.
This new collection is exclusively available in store and online now at https://www.spacefurniture.com.au.
