Six questions with Welsh designer Bethan Gray, who repurposes shells and feathers into her work

Welsh designer Bethan Gray’s furniture and homewares blur the boundaries between traditional craft and contemporary style.

While feathers and shells are usually materials of a craft enthusiast, Gray repurposes them artfully into her homewares and furniture in her latest collection. She spoke with Domain about her inspiration.

Did you come from a family of makers?

Weirdly, I recently found out that we had a female cabinet maker going back quite a few generations. We’ve had this corner cabinet in the family for years. I knew someone in the family had made it. We recently found a certificate that shows it was a “she”. That was really inspiring.

You worked for the British furniture label Habitat for a decade, meeting artisans from around the world. How did that experience shape your own practice?

It gave me an understanding of design in the commercial world. It also helped me to hone my skill of working with traditional crafts but contemporary design. I speak Welsh as well. Being a minority speaker – only about 20 per cent of people in Wales speak Welsh – combined with my ancestry makes me more aware of other cultures. That feeds into my work.

Can you tell us more about your ancestry?

I’m Welsh. My father is Scottish and on my mother’s side, I have Romany Gypsy ancestry. All Romany Gypsies originated in Rajasthan. They travelled through Persia and Europe. My tribe ended up in Wales. They were travelling people. I think that’s always spurred on my love of travel and exploration.

Do you view craft as a form of storytelling?

I think all of my designs start with some kind of story. For instance, the Shamsian Collection is heavily inspired by Omani architectural references and craft. The Nizwa cabinet is named after a fort with intricate patterns. Even the ombre colouring, going from light to dark, was inspired by my visit when the sun was setting. I wanted to recreate that moment.

You visited Australia recently as a guest of Living Edge. Tell us about your latest collection.

The Exploring Eden collection launched in Milan last year, using natural materials such as shells and feathers, sourced in sustainable ways and repurposed into furniture.

How hands-on are you in the production process?

We have craft collaborations. I’m not a craftsperson myself. I love understanding and learning how things are made. We work with the experts: the craftspeople.

What’s your favourite room in your own house?

Probably the living room. It’s quite cosy and comfortable and beautiful. It’s the hub of the home. We have a big modular sofa with round rugs and round coffee table and a big open fire. In the winter, it’s quite cosy. A lot of people come and spend time with us there.

Bethan Gray’s designs are available at Living Edge.