Meet the Maker - Mark Smith
Based on an interview ‘Mastering Simplicity: Mark Smith’s journey from down under to East London craftsmanship’ with our E17 neighbours Blackhorse Lane Ateliers.
Mark Smith, an Australian craftsman with a passion for timeless design, has built an inspiring career in East London. As Director of Manufacturing at VG&P and our sister brand Isokon, Mark has been instrumental in upholding the legacy of iconic furniture design while steering it toward modern innovation.
Hi Mark, can you tell us about yourself?
I’m an Australian living in East London. I love spending as much time as possible outdoors and with friends.
Can you tell us about your career journey and your current position at Isokon?
I studied to be a Designer Maker at the Australian National University in Canberra. It has a multi disciplined Bauhaus inspired art school. It was an incredible experience that taught me the essence of material, construction and technical application. In 2004 I found myself in London and at the door of Isokon Plus in Chiswick where Chris McCourt (founder of Isokon Plus) gave me a job. Chris was an amazing mentor and before long we were partners. We moved the workshop to Hackney Wick and expanded the business. Then in 2018 we merged with VG&P and moved the workshop to Blackhorse Lane in Walthamstow where I became a Director in charge of Manufacturing.
Growing up what were the things you rebelled against?
Unfortunately most things!
How do you stay true to the rich legacy of Isokon Plus yet still move with the modern times?
I often remind myself of something Chris McCourt would say “whatever we produce needs to sit comfortably but not compete with Breuer’s Long Chair”. This helps focus my mind on simplicity and originality. We don’t want things to get fussy and contrived but we also don’t want to lose our edge.
Can you tell about your favourite piece of furniture in your house and what it means to you?
It changes but at the moment I can’t go past the Isokon Stool and Tray. It's so perfectly balanced and from a technical perspective it’s a marvel. Strong, light and functional.
How do you see design and what makes something an iconic design in your eyes?
I think there’s too much design! As an industry it creates enormous amounts of waste from undeveloped, unconsidered proposals and poorly thought through concepts. I see iconic designs as impactful fully considered creations from beginning to end.
What would be your advice for future makers and designers?
Think, think, think, Go!
Having used our (Blackhorse Atelier) clothing in your life, what things would you improve or change?
If I could afford more tailored clothing I’d buy it.
How do raw materials affect design and vice versa?
I love materials! You have to start with quality in order to end with something of beauty that’s for sure. As a maker the material is what draws you into wanting to work with your hands and there’s always a desire to know more about how it works and how you can push it.
There’s a saying that you need 10k hours to become a master, do you feel this is true in your trade? That’s only 5 years work. No I don’t think it is. If you only did one process then yes but if you work in a multifaceted way you really would need more time. God knows how long!
Would you advise your children to follow your footsteps as a maker?
Absolutely!
What do we need to provide for future makers to become masters of their trade?
Time training and challenging work.