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June 08
Fast Glass
"How about we try and set a record?" That was Nick's response when asked to be involved in the Liverpool 2008 Capital of Culture celebrations! And so, come June 19th, Nick and a bunch of friends will be collecting the glass bottles from the opening night party of the Liverpool 08 Design Festival (not sure how many there will be), melting them in a specially constructed mobile furnace (provided by Nick's mates at Liquid Projects), blowing the molten glass into a bunch of new designs (created on the spot by Nick), packing them in specially produced wrappers (uniquely made from copies of that day's Liverpool Post by celebrated designer and Nick's friend Ella Doran), whisking the finished items across town to the brand new John Lewis Liverpool store (opened just 3 weeks ago), retailing them right then and there (to Nick's Mum if no-one else!), and duly donating the funds to local Liverpool recycling charity Create! Oh, and by working all through the night duly setting a world record for the fastest ever design to retail project ever!! That's Fast Glass for you! Join us and join in on the 19th at Novas, Greenland St at 10am...should be fun (for those who don't need too much sleep!) |
May 08
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Float
Featuring a unique combination of FSC certified walnut with chrome plated brass, Float is Nick’s new collection of top quality bathroom fixtures. The objective of these new designs is to get away from the endless racks of chrome plate which dominate the bathroom scene these days and offer colour, texture and warmth in the bathroom instead of cold, clinical white, chrome and more chrome. Comprising 2 towel rails and a towel hook, loo roll holder, light pull, shelf, soap and toothbrush holders, bin, loo brush, cabinets, storage and a loo seat, Float has it pretty much all covered! In all John Lewsi stores from this month. |
April 08
God Bless Ventura!
At a cost of some £350m, and following a spectacular and glamorous naming ceremony by the ‘Queen’ of Hollywood Dame Helen Mirren, Ventura took to the waves on April 18th for her maiden voyage. Strikingly beautiful and exquisitely appointed, this new lady of the high seas carries on board over 200,000 items designed and commissioned by Nick, from the exclusively commissioned ‘Sunburst’ cutlery to the chic ‘Geo’ tea&coffee collection to the spectacular ‘Anemone’ sculpture. A great triumph for all concerned, Ventura is the new flag carrier for cool, British design on the high seas… |
March 08
April Showers
Well, err, more like March showers actually but here’s the thing – ever had a shower with a cold wet kipper? You know, the feeling, there you are in need of a real warm, wet douche and all of a sudden you find a cold, clammy length of fabric sticking to you…yuck! Well no need for that any more….welcome to the new world of shower curtains courtesy of Nick’s latest creations just launched in John Lewis. There are 3 styles to choose from which all bring the concept of fashion and craft to the bathroom – Blues which is a pleated and sewn ‘ombre’ dyed little number; Ribbons which features an ‘uplifting’ mauve, grey and black palette of stitched ribbons on a textured white backcloth; and Raindrops which introduces the ‘Devore’ technique of burning out the material weft to reveal windows which let in light and allow you to see out (just in case there is a phsycho about!). All exclusive to John Lewis and in store form this month from £30. |
January 08
Bubbles
Remember blowing bubbles as a kid? Remember how each bubble kind of worked as a lens and captured an image all of its own? Well that’s what the new ‘Bubbles’ mirror is all about – capturing images! Available through all John Lewis stores from this month onwards, lets hope you like what you see when you look inside the bubbles...!
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November 07
2 Tone
“So where is the colour these days?” this was the question Nick posed when thinking about the latest word in mugs! Don’t get him wrong – he loves beautiful, fine white china but enough already….its time for a splash of colour! Just launched in all John Lewis stores ’2 Tone’ was inspired by the vibrant colours used by such notable and pioneering English companies as Poole Pottery in the 1930’s and the collection is available in 4 colour combinations – Lime, Orange, Pink and Blue inside with all black outside. “Find me a cooler mug for your tea if you dare!” says Nick…
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October 07
Frost
Frost! The latest addition to the exclusive Nick Munro for John Lewis club and this time Nick has used frosted, marbellised resin to raise the bar on all things in the bathroom – even down to the humble loo brush! A tad less expensive than real marble (and a tad less cold than the real thing too), the new collection is in all stores and online from this month. Frost! Just in time for the chillier weather… |
September 07
Le Tour!
So….the big news is that THEY SURVIVED 3 official Alpine stages of the Tour de France (640 km along the road and 8800m upwards – that’s 1.5 Everests apparently)!!! AND what’s more, when all the sponsorship was added up across the 40 or so guys who managed to complete the event (including various hatfuls of Euros collected from innocent bystanders en route) they raised between them all over £85k!!! Pretty much that means that enough money was raised to pay for 3 and a bit guide dogs which is just fantastic and will transform the lives of 3 people who have to cope without the gift of sight.s Along the way all of the guys who took part had a fabulous time in the Alps cycling through some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable and if any of you feel inspired to come out on a training ride sometime then feel free to drop Nick a line… As a footnote, a big up to Nick’s mates at Mule Bar – the coolest (and tastiest) energy bars on the planet – who donated dozens of bars to keep Nick and Rich going! www.mulebar.com – Fuel for adventure!! |
August 07
Vanish
Inspired by the infinite vanishing points in a fairground Hall of Mirrors, Nicks latest addition to the John Lewis mirror collection is ‘Vanish’. Just launched across all stores and online through JLDirect the new mirror costs £200 and features a unique ‘shaded silver’ effect to create the illusion of an endless vanishing point… One look and you’ll be smitten! |
July 07
Highlight
Just launched Nick’s beautifully engineered ‘Highlight’ pewter bathroom accessories for John Lewis. Handmade in Sheffield the new collection was inspired by the pistons from an old Triumph Bonneville engine and will add a polished touch to any bathroom! ‘Highlight’ – simple and delightful!! |
June 07
Tour de France dance!
In September, Nick and his brother Rich plan to cycle 3 stages of the Tour de France in the French Alps to raise money for the Guide Dogs Association. Pedalling 650km up some of the most awe inspiring mountain passes including such classics as the Alpe D’Huez and the Col Du Galibier, the cycle will be no mean feat and if you would like to join in the fundraising adventure then consider yourself invited to the Front Room Tour de France Dance on the 15th of June. Front Room are a motley crew made up of Nick and 6 of his mates belting out covers of all sorts of big dance tunes from Prince to The Jam and since they started 5 years ago the band have raised over £40k for charity. Tickets this time are £8.50 with all the profits going to Guide Dogs, the bar will be open all night and the doors open at 7.30pm...see you on the dancefloor… |
May 07
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Skylon
In May the new Skylon restaurant opened at the Royal Festival Hall London -the site of the original Skylon sculpture created for the Fesival of Britain 1951. The Skylon sculpture was always a source of inspiration for Nick,referencing as it did one of his ultimate heroes Brancusi, and it was a joy for Nick to be asked to create a coffee pot to celebrate the opening of the new Skylon Restaurant and the optimism and style of mid century Britain. Fay Maschler of the Evening Standard wrote a glowing review of Skylon when it opened at the end of May so click on the following link to find out what she had to say: Review of Skylon See you there sometime! |
March 07
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Love at first sight!
In March, Nick visited the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy to see the real Ventura for the first time. Only just over a year away from launch now, her scale, power and long, elegant curves are just becoming visible amidst the cranes, scaffolding and welding rigs that currently surround her. A case, for Nick, of love at first sight! |
Feb 07
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Ark 2
Following the success of Nick's first series of endangered animal sculptures last year, Ark 2 has just been launched in association with Nick's partners at Royal Selangor pewter. The new collection takes the theme of Ark 1 and broadens it out with the addition of 8 beautiful new christening gifts which are designed to inspire in our children a love of the natural world and an understanding of how precious these wonderful creatures truly are. For each item sold a donation will be made to help preserve the wild habitat of the Malayan tiger, so linking the arrival of the new child to their future inheritance. |
Jan 07
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Swing
To compliment Trombone and for all those with a keen sense of rythmn, the
'Swing' bar-ware collection was launched in January. |
December 06
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Trombone
Launched to great 'fanfare' in the press and across the UK, 'Trombone' is Nick's new stainless steel bar-ware collection for John Lewis. Inspired by the beauty, quality and detail of brass instruments and Nick’s love of trumpets, saxophones and trombones, the design concept is a celebration of all that is cool about jazz, funk and soul… There are 5 pieces in the collection (just like a 5 piece band) – cocktail shaker, ice bucket, Tongs, wine cooler and champagne bucket – so treat yourself or someone you love and learn to play a whole new tune! |
November 06
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Ventura
Announced during her official 'launch' at Marco Pierre White's Mayfair restaurant Luciano's, Nick has just been appointed as Design Consultant for 'Ventura' - the latest addition to the P&O fleet. Due for its maiden voyage in April 2008, 'Ventura' will be the largest superliner ever built for the British market, and Nick's commission will see him working on all aspects of the interiors and tabletop from stem to stern! For a sneak preview of 'Ventura' herself, log on to www.virtualventura.co.uk and enjoy a virtual guided tour... Ahoy There! |
October 06
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Jelly East
First there was the party for The Workshop in Sheffield (design supremos, all round good guys, and best mates of Nick)! Then there was the jelly mountain and a funny/daft/alchohol induced idea about raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness. And now… the jelly jamboree has gone global!! Welcome to Jelly East! Incorporating Nick’s newly ‘minted’ jelly mould by Royal Selangor, blessed by huge support and exposure from Harpers Bazaar Malaysia, and for your delight and delectation, incorporating eight brand new jelly recipes from eight internationally acclaimed chefs who represent the very best in original and scrumptious world cuisine!! The essence of the jelly story is appetite - for life, love, humour, and of course healthy food - so log on to www.royalselangor.com, invest in your own spoonful of jelly action and so make a donation to a great cause… |
September 06
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Swallow Tail
Launched this month, 'Swallow Tail' is a beautiful new range of storage boxes (the first such items that Nick has ever designed) and is the latest addition to the exclusive John Lewis collection. The rather charming name for the range comes from the painstaking craft process used to cut the fingered joints which give the boxes such a distinctive Shaker inspired feel. Uniquely, the new designs feature an elliptical top and a round base (original Shaker boxes were always either elliptical OR round) which is a true first as far as any of us are aware. Handmade in deepest, darkest Shropshire from certificated birch ply, and featuring the tiniest copper fixing nails, tthey will (we predict!) outlast us all... |
July 06
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Cottontwist
Over 2 years in the development and at the cost of buckets of blood, sweat and tears (!) Nick’s latest glassware concept is just coming in to John Lewis stores as part the exclusive 'Nick Munro for John Lewis' program. 'Cottontwist' is a brand new collection of stemware based on a very old and almost extinct craft technique whereby a twist of coloured glass is spun inside the stem itself – a hugely delicate and skilful process which has required some of the world’s most gifted craftsmen to perfect. Simple, absolutely stunning and totally unique – we don’t know anybody else who is doing anything like this! See if you can work out how its done... |
May 06
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Coast 2 Coast
Setting out from Southport on May 17th, Nick and cycling buddy Gavin pedalled their way across England, coast to coast, up hill and down dale the 250 miles to Hornsea. The idea was to have some fun, see the countryside, and raise as much money as possible for Sightsavers – the fantastic UK based charity which cures blindness and so transforms lives in the Third World. Despite the rain, more rain, the odd wrong turning and at least one wolfwhistle the duo completed the journey in 4 days, and thanks to the generosity of friends, family and colleagues raised enough money to fund 70 eye operations! A big, big thanks to everyone for their support – checkout www.sightsavers.org to learn more…. |
April 06
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Sketch and Spot
Ah… the trials and tribulations of making ceramics in England…! After a number of rather 'chequered' experiences along the highways and byways of Stoke on Trent Nick's original ceramic collection has finally found a home in the same 19th century factory as Susie Cooper once used. To celebrate the new home, and with a tip of the hat to pioneers of the best in English ceramic design the new Sketch and Spot designs have just been launched, inspired by Susie herself and that perennial icon of mid century design – 'Homemaker'. |
March 06
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"Duetto"
Inspired by the geometry of classic art deco lines, Nick's second collection of 18/8 stainless steel cutlery has just been launched in partnership with Bugatti. Simply named "Duetto", the new collection is beautifully balanced, exquisitely detailed and made with Italian care, precision and passion for quality - a testimony to a truly special collaboration between England and Italy. We really love it and hope you do too... |
February 06
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The Ark
Last year, Nick started work on a new commission from Royal Selangor to create a collection of christening gifts in pewter. The commission coincided with an increasing awareness around the world of the threat to wildlife from climate change and global warming, and Nick decided to link the concept of the christening gifts to our children’s future. Six endangered species were chosen – Turtle, Whale, Polar Bear, Tiger, Panda and Elephant – and each animal was celebrated in a beautiful cast pewter sculpture, each piece having a particular function such as the Polar Bear being a money box and the Turtle being a tooth fairy box. The collection was ‘christened’ The Ark and a percentage of the sales revenue will be donated to help save the Malayan Tiger from extinction, each purchase therefore being an investment in our children’s future inheritence. |
January 06
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‘Slipstream’ porcelain for John Lewis
Just arrived in store after a 2 year development program in Portugal , Nicks’s new collection of porcelain is unique, elegant, original and exclusive to John Lewis. Inspired by the lines of a vintage fishing boat which Nick used to sail in Blakeney, Norfolk , the new collection comprises 20 items and was christened ‘Slipstream’ – the name of the original boat. Here’s hoping the new Slipstream inspires you! |
December 05
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Nick Munro at Harrods Nick's first ever order was from the (at the time) exceptionally cool 'Way-In' department at Harrods! It's been a while since then and for the longest time Nick's designs were nowhere to be seen in the venerable London landmark, so it was a great thrill for all concerned when a new opportunity came up to re-new the aquaintance. Check out the display on the 2nd floor. |
November 05
 Nick Munro for John Lewis Over the last 18 months, Nick has been working on a major commission from John Lewis to create an exclusive collection of homewares including fine porcelain, innovative glassware, mirrors and even loo brushes. The new designs are just beginning to reach the stores so get on down to your local branch (or cruise the excellent JL website) to find out more about Nick's first real High Street liason ..... |
October 05
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Welcome back to wobble
A recent Nick Munro commission has become a major player in a 'wobble' revival and will be used to help promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Initially conceived for the birthday celebration of design agency theWorkshop, the pewter 'mountain' jelly mould is shorthand for what Nick does best - revisiting an old genre with a modern twist. From The Times magazine to Hello, Nick's witty resurrection of a forgotten favourite has been tipped for the top by those who enjoy celebrating with style (and a smile). After all, says Nick: 'What says happy birthday better than a mountain of jelly?' A jelly recipe book is currently underway with favourites from Anthony Worral Thompson, Ken Hom, and Meena Pathak, who have all donated their recipes to help raise money for breast cancer research The jelly mould will be available to buy from Selfridges, or from www.theWorkshop.co.uk/shop/. A percentage of sales will go to Breast Cancer Care. |
September 05
Nick Munro for Linley Nick Munrio and David Linley teamed up earlier this year to create an exclusive version of Nick's Inspired by Christopher Dresser - one of Nick's all time design heroes - the results are a simply Available exclusively through Linley stores in Pimlico and Mayfair. |
May 05
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April 05
The Pearl of Arcadia Recently Nick was given a special commission to create a commemorative
gift Taking inspiration from her awesome propellers and celebrating
the power of As the saying goes "God Bless Arcadia and all who sail in
her!"
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March 05
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Following the success of Nick's 'Square Peg' collection of Arts&Crafts inspired oak furniture comes his latest collaboration with Fired Earth - 'Kid Glove' - a fabulous new collection of lounge furniture in leather and velvet, designed to feel just as comfortable as if you'd been enveloped by your favourite glove! Checkout the full collection at your nearest Fired Earth store.... |
February 05
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