Our Story
Richard Taylor Designs evolved from a lifelong passion for design, craftsmanship and all things Italian
The collection was launched in 1990
Richard launched the collection after building a reputation for the masterful restoration and redecoration of a historic house and garden in Bermuda, and the restoration of two classic yachts.
Around the same time, Richard realised a lifelong dream. He bought an ancient, dilapidated house in Umbria and began a process of meticulous restoration that continued for decades.
During that time, Richard sought out and fostered gifted local artisans working in wrought iron, brass, ceramics and glass.
These artisans were able to realise his innovative designs which were then gradually introduced to the British market.
Richard Taylor Designs' early collection
Richard expanded his growing collection with a range of 1930s style lighting, inspired by a corroded nickel and crystal lamp he founded in the bilges of one of the classic yachts he was renovating.
The reproduction of this lamp was featured by The World of Interiors and many other design magazines. It became a modern classic, prompting countless copies.
Exceptional and innovative, playful & timeless
Richard Taylor Designs is internationally renowned for its original and high quality deocarative lighting, furniture, mirrors and accessories. The collection comprises both contemporary and traditional designs realised in various metals, ceramics and glass.
Each piece is distinguished by being well-proportioned and always handmade by skilled artisans in Italy and the UK. Traditional techniques, often passed on from generation to generation, are used to ensure an authentic and well-finished product.
Some of the artisans first discovered during the restoration of the house in Umbria still work with the company. The success of Richard Taylor Designs has been instrumental in protecting jobs, preserving skills and developing new technologies.
We are proud of our long standing relationships with leading interior designers and architects throughout the UK, Europe, the US and many other countries.
Naive Chandelier at a workshop in Florence
Where it all started
Richard Taylor Designs' Collection at Decorex
The collection in 2006
15-Arm Rivoli Chandelier
Brass workshop in Florence
Hand-forged Branch Console Table
Metal fabrication workshop in early 2000s
Ceramic Hare mould
Glass blowing workshop in Italy
Adam Wall Lights for large order
Verona Table Lamps
15-Arm Oak Branch Chandelier in metal fabrication workshop
The collection in 2006
Brass workshop in Florence
Landmark designs
Over the years, certain products stand out as key moments in our history. These are three of those special collaborations.
Adam Wall Light
Featured in an advertisement for Anna French in House & Garden, November 1992. The Adam Wall Light enjoyed great success and was selected for the apartments at Claridges Hotel in London.
Oak Branch Chandelier
Our Oak Branch Chandelier range is the result of a stay at a friend’s villa outside Florence, where the gardener was pruning oak trees. Some branches were gathered, destined for a vase. However, inspiration struck and they ended up on the floor of a workshop. With the aid of a piece of chalk, the first Oak Branch Chandelier was created.
Collaboration with Spediti
Richard connected with a great blacksmith named Piero Spediti who worked into his early 90s creating numerous exquisite objects for us in his small workshop in Tuscany. He sadly died in 2018, yet still inspires the collection today.