This is Thomas Heatherwick with me…
There can be little doubt about the impact that Heatherwick has had on British design. Over the past decade his surprising creations, from a handbag to a bus and bridge to a gazebo, have delighted all with their beauty, wit and diversity. Nothing seems to phase him. The latest in his growing cannon of work is the reincarnation of the Routemaster bus, so loved by Londoners and sent to the scrap heap by one mayor and thankfully revived by another, one Boris Johnson.
Above is Heatherwick’s initial sketch for his vision of the new version of London’s most iconic bus. And here he is on the running board of the full-scale prototype…
It will be back on the London streets next year. And last year we had the wonderful spectacle of his Shanghai Expo Seed Cathedral, which attracted 8 million people...
And the smaller scale East Beach Café at Littlehampton, West Sussex, gently weatherting - creating an intentional patina that Heatherwick wants to achieve...
But there is another, rather more humble annual project, that Heatherwick turns his attention each year. The Heatherwick Christmas cards. With them he has challenged the notion of what a mailable letter is and importantly Royal Mail’s ability to delivery it. They are a surprising delight for all who receives them. Take a look at a few…
Wooden trellis folding Christmas tree
Christmas stamps imbedded in a clear, ice like, resin block
Laser cut faceted snowflake
Lifting stamp block.
Christmas label and chain-link.
Organic radiating star
And this delightful advent calendar designed in collaboration with Sara Fanelli. Each mini envelope contains a fold out word ...
to eventually spell out this festive greeting.
Back in 2004 I recorded and interview with Thomas at his home in North London where, along with his wife, he was in anticipation of their first joint creation, twins.
If you’d like to hear him recalling his early career and his views on design then just click here.