Alex Hellum 2008 : ASSOCIATE

ALEX HELLUM

Associate is delighted to announce the launch of Alex Hellum's low volume production furniture brand. Alex is exhibiting his new designs for Heal's and a selection of his own work at 100%Norway during the London Design Festival 2008. His own collection will be available direct from mid-September 2008.

Here is his story.

Born in Larvik, Norway in 1966, Alex Hellum is a furniture and product designer living and working in the UK. He first trained at The Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College between 1992 and 1994 and then went on to study Furniture Design at the Royal College of Art, graduating in 1996. After graduation Alex received a grant from the Craft Council and set up his own design practise. He has worked on numerous private and commercial design commissions and has designed products for Heal’s, Thorsten Van Elten and Ercol.

Alex has developed a distinctive design style based on observation, utility and honest use of materials. His starting point is often a pragmatic one, watchful of use he asserts that in design “there is always a practical solution” and believes part of the role of designer is to “give reason for things to exist”. Alex is very much a hands on designer, creating objects that have natural longevity in both build and function. His sensitive use of wood and reclaimed materials gives his designs their character, depth and integrity.

In September 2008 Alex Hellum launches his own low volume production furniture brand, continuing his work as a designer for other furniture companies and expanding his teaching role at The Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College.

For further information, please contact duncan@andassociate.co.uk