Henry Wilson established his namesake design studio in 2012; creating bespoke furniture, lighting, accessories and components in metal, stone and glass. Drawn to the permanence and enduring quality of materials, Henry's designs are characterised by utilitarianism, with a clear form and function.

He values the imperfect beauty that comes from objects made by hand, and creates pieces that retain a sense of individual charm while not compromising the robust framework required for manufacture. 

Recently opening a beautiful studio and showroom space in Paddington, Sydney, we enjoyed speaking to Henry about his new premises and design process.

Explore Henry Wilson

It is a place to explore and make what I want for myself and others that might also appreciate it.

The idea for a store started, like many good things, by chance. I happened to catch a sign at a small space on Paddington Street, underneath the old Scout Hall, and immediately admired the even light from both sides and the large, copper-lined Victorian shop-front window. It had a simple, flexible interior by the architect Madeleine Blanchfield, which had housed her meeting room and library for several years.

After some mild negotiations with Scouts NSW I signed a lease and made a call to my friend George Livissianis. The brief was to reimagine Madeleine’s work, evolving the space into a ‘collector’s apartment’ – in other words, a frame for my work.

The warm white walls and floors are uneven, and the original pressed tin ceiling is highlighted by a strict datum which crops and modernises the space. Several sliding partitions reveal studio HENRY WILSON lighting and wall works, allowing the space to transform as needed. A long stainless steel plinth runs the length of the interior, functioning as both display and storage for merchandise.

I’ve long imagined opening a store in which to show the products I design and make here in Australia, alongside a collection of items I find to be beautiful or functional, or both. As imaginings come to fruition, these will include glassware and linen from Japanese friends, some of my favourite scents – from handmade pure wood incense to oils from Perfumer H and Aesop – and personal care from To My Ships.

I have struggled to justify the mercantile aspect of the store; certainly, it makes little sense on paper. However, in the face of an increasingly fragmented community I wanted a place to meet and to house the objects we make. Somewhere for the public to see, feel and sense what we do.