Award-winning design studio, Oliver Whyte, have launched their answer to experimentation and play: OW Lab. As an extension of Oliver Whyte, the designer is led by a hunger to explore, refine and grow his own voice unhindered by the often constraining avenues to disseminating furniture and object design. With a thoughtful website, OW Lab is a digital gateway to purchasing Oliver Whyte pieces; with a more democratic view of accessibility in bringing exceptionally crafted works into your home.
Through the introduction of a fresh way to experience the local design landscape, Ross Robertson of Oliver Whyte Studios explains, “OW Lab is an online treasure chest of beautiful, functional objects born in freedom to allow an outlet of creativity unobstructed by outside forces. You will find lights, vases, candle holders and tables to begin with, but the lab will explore many of the found objects in the home, over time. The pieces will be released in monthly drops, and there is only one of each piece – hesitate, and you will lose out! I cannot wait to share my lab with you.”
The pieces are a continual exploration of Oliver Whyte’s signature resin-sand composite, a blend that is hand-shaped into a final form, and finally spray painted in a variety of hues. In this way, no single piece can ever be replicated – with each object forming a stunning expression of Ross’ intuitive practice. As a proponent and progenitor of South Africa’s burgeoning design space, OW Lab brings nuance and curiosity to the celebration for audiences of local design at varying points of entry.
Explore more and shop ‘OW Lab’ at www.ow-lab.co.za