Barber Osgerby

Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby founded their East London studio in 1996, after studying architecture together at the Royal College of Art. For more than two decades their work has challenged the boundaries of design in this country and abroad, while their commitment to lecturing, workshops and studio practice supports the development of new generations of designers.

Barber and Osgerby’s approach is characterised by its emphasis on experimentation and innovation and an exploratory attitude to materiality and colour. From these areas of focus emerge solutions that reflect the close relationship of their work with industrial processes and new technologies, but also its affinities with fine art, illustrated most clearly in large-scale installations such as Double Space (2014) – a series of revolving mirrors suspended from the ceiling of the Raphael Gallery in the V&A – and Forecast (2016) – a wind-powered work installed at Somerset House, as part of the first London Design Biennale.

Barber and Osgerby have developed collections for B&B Italia, Flos, Vitra, Magis, Cappellini, Swarovski, Venini and Established & Sons, among others. They have also designed works for private commissions, and for public spaces such as the De La Warr Pavilion, The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and the Portsmouth Cathedral. Significant projects include the Tip Ton chair for Vitra in 2011, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic torch and a £2 coin commemorating the 150th anniversary of the London Underground in 2013.

Barber and Osgerby are also founders of Universal Design Studio,[5] a London-based architecture and interior design studio, and Map,[6] a London-based industrial design consultancy focused on design strategy.