Martin Huxford: Sculpting Light and Soul into Design
- Elena Tikhonova
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 16
In conversation with lighting and mirror designer Martin Huxford and co-creative Pamela Huxford, we explore the heart, process, and passion behind one of Britain’s most tactile and soulful design studios.
When you speak with Martin Huxford, it’s immediately clear that his work is as instinctual as it is artistic. A designer of lighting, mirrors, and soon - furniture - Martin's pieces seem to hold a conversation of their own: expressive, sculptural, and unapologetically human.
“I studied art in London,” he begins. “At first, I thought I’d design film posters. But I’ve always loved interior design and lighting, and one day I just decided to make a collection myself.” That decision led Martin and his wife Pamela to Paris’s Maison & Objet show, where a chance order from luxury brand Christofle marked the beginning of their studio’s luminous journey.
The Art of the Tactile
Ask Martin to define the studio’s aesthetic, and he leans into the poetic. “We have a very natural aesthetic -tactile, human. For years, design has been about high gloss, hard surfaces. We wanted to push back, creating work that is crafted and carries individuality.”
Indeed, each Martin Huxford piece feels imbued with its maker’s touch. Their lighting doesn’t scream for attention - it glows, inviting interaction. “Our customers can tell a human has made what they’re buying,” he says. “There’s something very honest about that.”
Function Meets Feeling
While many designers struggle to balance form and function, Martin’s ethos celebrates both. “I love that something functional can still carry meaning. My pieces have a job to do, but they also evoke something more.”
Each new design begins with loose sketches -“messy, full of energy” - and evolves through physical experimentation. “The first models are often plaster, with bits of hemp or polystyrene mixed in. I use whatever helps me find the right texture and feel.”
From there, some pieces are molded, while others are sculpted by hand, making each one unique. “You never really know what you’re making until you’re holding it,” he adds with a smile.
Creative Chemistry
The dynamic between Martin and Pamela is both endearing and creatively electric. Pamela serves as strategist, critic, and chief collaborator. “He doesn’t always listen to me,” she laughs. “But I’m honest. If something’s not working, we talk through why.”
And yes, they argue - passionately - over design. “I wasn’t sure about the asymmetric mirror at first,” Pamela admits. “Now it’s one of our most loved pieces. I’m happy to eat humble pie on that.”
Another debate? The crystal topping the Amberly lantern. “I said no, he did it anyway,” she says. “Turns out it worked beautifully.” Martin grins. “That’s design - it’s a leap of faith every time.”
The Studio’s Rhythm
On average, the studio produces six to seven new pieces a year, often coinciding with design fairs and exhibitions. Each collection reveals subtle evolution in the brand vision, yet always feels unmistakably theirs.
“It’s tempting to follow trends,” Martin reflects. “But to build something lasting, you have to stay true to your own voice. That’s how you make something truly distinctive.”
Expanding Horizons
Although best known for lighting, the studio recently introduced mirrors - and furniture is next. “A mirror is different - it has its own function, and you work around that,” Martin explains. “Furniture is something I’ve always wanted to do. We’re hoping to debut a console table soon.”
They are independent studio and not represented by any gallery yet. Martin mentions: “We have a chandelier at a major U.S. art show - the Arbour Chandelier. We’d love to have gallery representation in the UK too.”
What’s Next
With an ever-growing fan base, particularly among U.S. designers, the studio is preparing to unveil more new work at upcoming shows. “There’s so many exciting things right now,” Martin says. “And so many ideas we haven’t even started on.”
Pamela nods. “It’s always busy, but that’s the beauty of it. When a client gets excited about a piece or asks for a variation, it sparks something new.”
Advice to the Next Generation
Martin’s advice to aspiring designers is refreshingly simple: “Just make things. Don’t wait for perfect. Use social media, connect with others, and stay excited. And yes - college is great too.”
But the core of it? “Be authentic. That’s how you build your own path.”
Martin Huxford Studio reminds us that design isn't just about making objects—it’s about crafting experiences that connect people to space, story, and self. And in a world of polished perfection, their raw, soulful approach feels like a breath of fresh air.
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