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WOLRD BEAT-THE BIRMINGHAM MELTING POT

Fun, fantasy, and new divisions highlight this British fair.

BY MARILYN NASON

Despite the lingering effects of an unprecedented three increases in mortgage rates in Great Britain last year, exhibitors at the semi-annual Birmingham Fair in September reported business had been strong. Manufacturers and buyers alike indicated they believe commerce will continue on a positive note as consumers carry on the love affair they have with their homes.
     Display space was again sold out, attesting to the popularity and strength of the Fair and attracting retailers not only from the U.K., but internationally. Both David Metcalfe, chairman, and Alison Jackson, managing director, think launching The Housewares Show as part of the Birmingham Fair in 2003 was a significant factor in bringing everything related to household accessories into one convenient venue.
     Jackson emphasized that improving the home "is an area we feel will be important indefinitely and will focus most especially on consumers finding exactly the right quality items they desire. Simply put, they truly want to enjoy their homes today."
     She also noted that the growing ethnic mix particularly in the populations of the U.K. and Europe - have helped accelerate and create a demand for the eclectic in décor that reflects "the best elements of people from around the globe."
     Attesting to this was the fanfare for the European launch of 100 of China's best quality firms at this show. Billed as Brands of China and hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, this addition housed carefully selected home and garden products, as well as cuttingedge and traditional Chinese gifts.
     Because of the diverse preferences in home décor today, exhibitors throughout Birminghams divisions displayed a wide variety of styles, colors, and periods. The previous weeks had seen this development at Messe Frankfurt's Tendence and Pariss maison&objet trade shows. It also meant that, again, no single trend emerged.
     A Coventry, U.K.-based decorator found that consumers who are initially shopping for lighting now gravitate to other items to electrify.
     "For many of my clients, lamps are probably as important as any other accessory,so we spend considerable time finding just the right one," Katherine Sherwood explained. Oftentimes, if the consumer is dissatisfied with the options, "Shell turn to a piece of handmade pottery to be wired."
     One exhibitor offering plenty of potential lamp bases was Pincho Poncho (London), a company promoting Peruvian crafts. Representing these products, Enrique Martinez and Lucy Daniel indicated that the handmade Chulucanas pottery bowls, vases,framed mirrors, plates, and figurines have been especially popular with decorators and their clients who are seeking "that special look."
     The pots are made using a 2,000-year-old technique. The distinctive black and dark brown colors are the result of the ware being baked with mango or banana leaves. The soot from the leaves naturally dyes the unpainted areas of the clay. The quantity of this "fuel" in the second firing produces the variety of shades.
     At the other end of the craft spectrum, brilliant stainless steel was the material of choice in an extensive collection of lamps, fixtures, framed mirrors, and accessories from Heibi (Schopfloch, Germany). Included was a sconce highlighted by two opal glass panels separated by five vertical steel decorative rods. Suitable for both indoor and exterior use, this unit is lamped with two 13-watt fluorescent bulbs.
     The company presented several other home accents such as mailboxes, mirrors, and console tables in stainless as well as in aluminum. Modern halogen torchieres from C.I.M.C. Ltd. (West Lothian, U.K.) were composed of double aluminum poles, crisscrossed to support the white glass shade. A third pole projecting midway up the lamp was adjustable and held a smaller metal-shaded reading lamp. Satin nickel, antique brass, and gunmetal finishes can be specified. All lamps in this series feature dimmer switches.
     Home Art + Design (Vejle, Denmark) took a traditional direction with a series of floor and table lamps, many of them in pale tones and silver finishes that evoked a simpleaesthetic. The ceramic lamps featured traditional motifs such as pineapples and vertical turnings on the body, complemented with white silk shades. All styles were available in solid cream and soft white finishes.
     The firm also introduced several mirrors, including a round model with a wide, silver-leafed wood frame and a floor-length mirror with a silver-toned frame, topped by a cherub gazing down from the center. A small boudoir mirror with a Magnolia White finish was highlighted by delicately carved florals.
     Offering a Minimalist, yet somewhat detailed approach to fixture design, 3A Interieur Accessoires (Papendrecht, Netherlands) relied on frosted glass and iron to form a series of chandeliers and matching sconces, plus table and floor lamps. One model, a free-form, five-light ceiling fixture, played upon the torch theme with the bulbs hidden in the glass shades. Glass "flame" finials above the rims gave the illusion of real fire.
     Appearing for the first time at the Birmingham Fair, Manselfield (Swansea, U.K.) brought to market an intriguing assortment of wall and table lamps, back-lit mirrors, and tea lights all decorated with tiny mosaic tiles. A wide variety of colors was available and motifs on the mirror frames ranged from stripes and abstract patterns to Art Deco and traditional geometrics.
     Many exhibitors at Birmingham this past fall were adding a contemporary spin to traditional fashion. Chambers International (Worcestershire, U.K.) showed several lamp lines in sharp departure from their well known Himalayan pots and traditional brass, iron, and wood models. "Were moving toward a contemporary lifestyle with some of our new lamps," explained Soon Hee Chambers, president of the company. "We see this direction becoming more important not just here in the U.K., but also with a large segment of consumers globally." The importer/manufacturer, however, is not abandoning its traditional collections, and its antique copper and brass lamps with parchment shades "will also remain an integral part of Chambers International," she added.
     There was also room for plenty of whimsy at Birmingham, led in particular by Mathmos (London). Combining fun and technology, the firm drew considerable attention with its Airswitch 1. The blown glass, carafe-shaped lamp operates through motion detection. Move a hand vertically and Airswitch dims or brightens the 40-watt bulb. The accent light can be turned on/off by passing a hand through the air above the product. A second model is about two feet high and resembles a bottle. Designed by Shin and Tomoko Azumi, the Airswitch 2 is slated for Christmas delivery.
     Disney licensee, Lazerbuilt Ltd. (Herts, U.K.) launched a series of Disney MyLife animated musical table lamps, wall and alarm clocks, picture frames, and novelty telephones. The Simpsons" also rated a delightful interactive table lamp and animated talking telephone, as did Hello Kitty, all available through Lazerbuilt.
     Albioncourt Ltd. (Dorset, U.K.) believes mood lighting for both retro and contemporary décors is best achieved by clusters of "tube" lights covered with colorful patterns. The accent illumination is based upon 5"- and 8"-diameter vinyl tubes that are simply outfitted with a lampholder and weighted base. The 1'- to 4'-high totems can stand on tables, on the floor, or be suspended from the ceiling. Buyers may choose from many spectacular hues plus multicolored polka dots, bright flowers, and peacock feather images. The company can customize logos and graphics.
     Albioncourt also recognized the whimsical possibilities of the material when it debuted Flying Saucers. These funky lights - in vibrant tinted plastic - are especially designed for childrens rooms, fitted with a socket and bulb, and rest on wire tripod stands.
     When it comes to a quick way to redecorate, St. Andrews Of Course! Ltd. (Fife, U.K.) had the answer with its attractive series of self-adhesive lightswitch covers. Available in 24 light-hearted versions to brighten a nursery, child's bedroom, kitchen, dorm room, or family den, each Coverswitch comes in a blister pack. Consumers simply peel off the self-adhesive backing and attach to a clean coverplate. The product is made for single rocker or dimmer models.