The Experimental Meld Collection Intermingles the Creative Talents of Two

With a shared interest in lighting, technique, and playfulness, ceramicist Emma Louise Payne and glassmaker Phoebe Stubbs have united their individual expertise to create Meld. The experimental ceramic and glass collection includes a floor lamp, table lamp, cocktail lamp, wall light, and mirror that are sculptural and functional in nature. Payne and Stubbs describe the collaboration, their second together, as a labor of love that demonstrates what’s possible when working without creative constraint. “From sketches on napkins through to late-night drawings, we developed Meld slowly, and through making, we came up with a design that reflects both our design ethos and our love of each other’s craft,” Payne shares.

Two ceramic lamps with glossy colored tops are displayed against a gray background on a flat surface. The sculptures vary in size and consist of cylindrical bases with oval or spherical tops.

Table Light + Cocktail Light \\\ Photo: Courtesy of Rialto

With bases formed of textural, ceramic-glazed stoneware and brilliant globes of hand-blown glass on top, Payne and Stubbs look to simple shapes to bring out the best of each piece. Using earthy tones and following their honed processes and instincts, the materials themselves are what shine brightest throughout.

A round mirror mounted on a wall and a coordinating floor lamp.

Wall Mirror + Floor Light \\\ Photo: Courtesy of Rialto

The Meld Floor Light and Meld Table Light are each formed using segments of ceramic that can be stacked to create the desired number of lights or height. The sculptural Meld Cocktail Light is the perfect glow to add to a small space to set the mood, while the Meld Wall Light and Meld Mirror can work individually or be paired together to create a vanity light, as seen below.

Two round mirrors mounted on a wall with a textured ceramic base.

Wall Mirror \\\ Photo: Courtesy of Rialto

“It feels exciting to make a larger, more architectural collection together that brings us back to our first partnership but which also reflects our individual growth and development as designers and makers,” Stubbs says of the partnership.

Ceramic lamp base and round glass globe set against a plain background.

Cocktail Light \\\ Photo: Courtesy of Rialto

Payne and Stubbs had the opportunity to launch the Meld collection during the opening of a concept interiors store and events space in East London, Rialto. Founded by interior architects Richard Whitaker and Hannah Smith, the idea is to create a retail space that blurs the lines between retail and gathering, entertainment, parties, and community. The collaborators share that it was a dream come true.