In conversation with Beauvamp: handcrafted lampshades, colour and craftsmanship

From intricate pleating and decorative fringing to sculptural lamp bases, Beauvamp’s lighting designs celebrate traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist.

Founded by Alice, Beauvamp creates distinctive handmade lampshades inspired by the decorative arts, drawing particularly on the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.

Having used Edward Bulmer Natural Paint throughout her own Georgian home, Alice shares our appreciation for considered materials, beautiful colour and traditional making techniques.

To celebrate Beauvamp’s first pop-up at our former Ebury Street showroom in London, we spoke to Alice about the beginnings of her business, the inspiration behind her designs and how lighting and colour can transform a room.

How Beauvamp began

Tell us a little about Beauvamp and how it came about.

Beauvamp actually started out as a decorative furniture brand. I knew I wanted to explore my creative side and started sourcing good-quality vintage furniture from auctions and second-hand shops, upcycling pieces with paint, decoupage and decorative painting.

When my first child came along, working outside in my workshop became less practical, so I gravitated towards projects I could do indoors. Lampstands and lampshades were the perfect alternative, and my new venture in lighting was born.

After spending a long time researching and perfecting traditional sewing techniques, I immersed myself in lighting and interiors from bygone eras. I fell in love with the Arts and Crafts, Art Deco and Art Nouveau periods in particular and wanted to build on frame shapes from these eras, bringing them into the present with a contemporary twist.

My first collection took inspiration from the Tiffany glass lampshades designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the late 1890s. I loved their angular shapes and, coupled with my fascination for silk ruching, I chose the name Tiffany for the collection.

Further designs followed, and we became known for our pleats and deep fringing. Since then, we’ve mastered the art of the ruffle, too.

I now work with a brilliant small team based in the beautiful village of Cromford, known for its cotton mills and industrial heritage.

The art of handmade lampshades

Can you talk us through your creative process when designing your lampshades?

We’re proud to say that all our lampshades are designed from scratch, starting with the frame shape, which I sketch out on paper.

Each sketch includes carefully considered calculations for size and style before the frame goes into production.

Once the frames are ready, each one is webbed in cotton. The fabric is then cut, chalked and machine-sewn before being hand-stitched to the frame.

A large proportion of our fabrics are hand-pleated around the top of the frame, which has become one of our signature techniques.

Each shade is finished with responsibly sourced braids and fringes or our hand-sewn ruffles.

What inspires your favourite lampshade designs?

I’m inspired by the heritage and history of the Arts and Crafts movement. I enjoy looking back at lighting designs from the past and creating my own interpretations with new colours, fabrics and trimmings.

One of my favourite pieces is our Crescent Lamp. Inspired by the craftsmanship of the Arts and Crafts era, I wanted it to make a bold statement, with a flower-like stem and cascading curves influenced by Art Nouveau design.

The lamp also draws on the work of designers such as W. A. S. Benson and C. R. Ashbee, with a contemporary twist in its geometric base and brass detailing.

Bringing together natural paint and decorative lighting

Why did you feel Edward Bulmer Natural Paint was a good fit for Beauvamp?

I originally chose Edward Bulmer’s colours for my home because I loved the environmental credentials associated with the plant-based paint.

I remember ordering my first sample, a beautiful pale pastel pink called Cuisse de Nymphe Émue, for the studio.

Over the years, I’ve used a range of colours that look wonderful in our home and make the perfect backdrop for our lighting collections.

It’s great to work with a brand that shares our outlook on providing high-quality products while keeping sustainability and care for the environment at the forefront.

How have you used Edward Bulmer Natural Paint in your own home?

I’ve used Edward’s paints all around the house, including the lounge, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

The palette is perfect for our Georgian home. I love how the colours can change depending on the light, whether it’s daylight or lamplight, helping to create a wonderful atmosphere.

What’s your favourite Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colour?

It has to be Cerullian Blue – I have this in two rooms already, and it may have to go into a third!

I’ve always been drawn to blue over any other colour.

How to choose lighting for your home

What are your top tips when choosing lighting and lampshades for a room?

It all depends on what you would like the light to do.

If you’re looking to create ambience, we’d recommend using a combination of floor lamps and table lamps to establish a warm, inviting atmosphere.

If the requirement is task lighting, our Crescent Lamp was designed with flexibility in mind and works as both a decorative piece and a practical light for a desk.

A lot of our customers come to Beauvamp for statement lighting, which can be achieved by introducing an unexpected colour, a bold braid or a fringed or ruffled lampshade.

Lighting is a wonderful way to bring personality into a room, whether through a distinctive shape, a decorative fabric or the way it illuminates the surrounding colours.

Colour, lighting and the finishing touches

The relationship between paint colour and lighting is an important consideration when decorating. A colour that appears fresh and bright in daylight can take on a very different character under lamplight in the evening.

Alice’s handcrafted designs demonstrate how lighting can become a decorative feature in its own right, complementing the colours, textures and materials already present in a room.

We loved bringing Beauvamp’s distinctive lampshades together with our natural paint palette during the studio’s London pop-up, celebrating the shared appreciation of colour, craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

Discover more about Beauvamp’s handcrafted lighting at beauvamp.com, or explore our natural paint colours to find a beautiful backdrop for your own home.