BETHAN GRAY
‘During the pandemic, I was able to EXPAND my horizons and completely IMMERSE myself in my work, EXPLORING this art form for the FIRST time’
The previous winner of three ELLE Decoration British Design Awards, Welshborn designer Bethan Gray’s focus has, for years, been about partnering with artisans to tell cultural stories of craftsmanship. Most recently, it’s the culture of Oman that she’s been inspired by, particularly the billowing sales of dhow boats, which she’s evolved into a dynamic hand-drawn pattern full of movement. As part of her installation in Milan this year, to be shown at the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, Bethan’s ‘Inky Dhow’ collection expands on the rug she designed for CC-Tapis (released late last year) with furniture, textiles, ceramics and handblown glass. All of the pieces result from her own experiments with calligraphy during lockdown. ‘During the pandemic, I was able to expand my horizons and completely immerse myself in my work, exploring this art form for the first time. From this, the new collection was conceived,’ she explains. ‘It’s bright and bold, showcasing my existing “Dhow” world in a new and creative way, encompassing my love of art, culture, travel and design.’ bethangray.com