In an exclusive interview with InteriorDaily, Emer Gillespie, founder of Brighton-based lighting studio Spark & Bell, discussed the company's upcoming participation in the 3daysofdesign fair in Copenhagen, which opens tomorrow, June 18. The studio will showcase its multi-tiered "Seraphín" chandelier as part of Material Matters Copenhagen.
© Spark & Bell
Emer Gillespie, founder of Spark & Bell, with source image from Alice Kang featuring Spark and Bell "Seraphín" Chandelier in Onyx.
Founded in 2015, Spark & Bell originated from Emer's hands-on experimentation with lighting design focused on custom, made-to-order pieces. 'That initial piece might not make the collection now, but it was the catalyst for Spark & Bell,' she said, reflecting on the brand's beginnings.
The studio's process is grounded in circular design principles, incorporating local sourcing, collaboration with artisans, and in-house recycling. Emer explained: 'We champion the principles of circular design through our support of domestic suppliers, in-house recycling processes, and collaboration with local artisans, ensuring our products not only meet but exceed market demands for quality and environmental responsibility.'
© Spark & Bell
The "Seraphín" chandelier.
The "Seraphín" chandelier incorporates crystalline drops produced from Spark & Bell's proprietary "Jewel" recycled plastic, made by reprocessing plastic waste including obsolete CD cases. The installation uses over eight kilograms of this material to create lozenge-shaped elements that diffuse light and generate a layered visual effect.
'Good design is not just the beauty and functionality of the object. It is also about how that product is made, where its materials come from, its ability to endure use and what happens when it's no longer wanted. All these things must be considered in equality, that's thoughtful,' Emer said, highlighting the studio's ethos and its fit with the 3daysofdesign platform.
Operating from Brighton, the studio integrates production and prototyping closely with a local network of artisans. Our location in Brighton allows us to be able to reach out to a talented local pool of artisan creators. We had our first studio at Rodhus Creative Studios, which is a former lighting factory,' Emer noted.
© Spark & Bell
Materials at the core of the collection include brass, cork, jesmonite, locally sourced wood, and recycled plastic. Sustainability informs production choices at every stage. 'Every decision we make, from the material choices to construction methods, take the life of the product and its end of life into consideration to reduce waste and minimise our impact on the planet,' Emer added.
While Spark & Bell's primary markets remain UK homeowners and design professionals, the brand is growing its European base and expanding into the commercial architecture and design sector. 'Our purpose-led design ethos and sustainability credentials seem to be opening up opportunities and partnerships in the more commercial A&D sector, an area we've been actively trying to expand over the last year,' Emer said.
The company maintains clear communication on delivery timelines, offering standard lead times of seven to ten working days and an express option.
Plans for the remainder of 2025 include extending production into ceramics, textiles, and small-batch glass, as well as developing sustainable rechargeable lighting and increasing customisation options.
Spark & Bell holds B Corp certification, reflecting compliance with environmental and social responsibility standards.
© Spark & Bell
Recycled materials and sustainability form a great part of Spark & Bell's process.
More information:
Spark & Bell
Ground Floor, Victoria House,
Vale Road, Portslade
+44 (0)1273 230566
contact@sparkandbell.com
www.sparkandbell.com
England