Since the invention of the first light bulb, the function of lighting has come a long way. Once a mere tool for visibility, lighting is now used to shape spaces, convey emotions, and alter perceptions. Amid all of the standard ceiling fixtures and recessed downlights, Brand van Egmond hopes to break the mould by crafting lighting that is more than just pretty pieces, but ones that spark conversation.
The Dutch design brand was founded by William Brand in 1989. Already after graduating from the Utrecht School of Arts, his first piece invited audiences to ponder whether it was seen as a sculpture or a light source. “This is our strength,” says Dennis van Egmond, export director of the label, about Brand’s talent in prompting wonder (William is Dennis’ uncle).
Brand, an architect and sculptor, finds inspiration in everything he sees. Many of his creations are drawn from nature, such as dew drops in the morning before the sun kisses them away. “The glass, when created, is not completely round, but has a bit of movement,” van Egmond describes. “It’s given the name Ersa because the old Greeks had a goddess of dew called Ersa.”
Another collection, Soirée, conjures memories of a dinner party with friends at sunset as the candles continue casting a soft glow. Love You Love You Not is another standout that resembles a posy of roses. Behind every rose is stamped either a sad face or a smiley face, a sweet little nod to the pastime of picking petals and a small detail that always excites those who spot it.
It’s this impulse to continually take his customers by surprise that has led Brand’s art pieces to be featured in some of the finest residences, designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and major art exhibitions. Among Brand van Egmond’s recent projects, Brand worked closely with renowned architect Peter Marino on the new Chanel boutique in New York City. “It was the maison’s first watches and fine jewellery boutique in the American market, so they wanted a literal jewel within the rest of their jewellery,” van Egmond shares. This resulted in a unique rendition of Brand van Egmond’s Kelp collection, tailor-made in high-gloss brass; thanks to its organic flow, the installation sparkled brilliantly like diamonds.
In addition to customisations, Brand also takes on special requests to create something bespoke and out of the ordinary. A few years ago, he received a request from a German porcelain maker to consider incorporating their porcelain creations into his light art. This was the seed from which the Orpheus collection was born, with a white porcelain rose sitting at the heart while bronze branches frame it protectively. “We started with a beautiful white rose, and we continued with this idea to work with precious stones,” van Egmond explains. “No one in the industry has combined stones with light like this yet.” Often, in interior design, they rest passively. Instead, Brand places them at the centre and combines them with light, giving these precious stones a new identity.
Ever the artist, the architect and sculptor is always ready for a new challenge. “We met a client who had a beautiful collection of 18th-century paintings with flowers, and they wanted a masterpiece to go with it,” van Egmond says. Inspired by the Old Masters, Brand partnered with a German glass artist, forming each flower through a glassblowing technique, then securing them together in a bronze-cast mantle. “This is a one-off. We have requests, but we will never do it exactly the same,” he states. “We have a Filipino client who likes it so much. Because they run a business in tropical fruits, they asked us to create one with fruits.”
With everything done in-house, the creative depth of Brand van Egmond knows no bounds. However, at its core, every sculpture shares the same evocative and characterful spirit that sets the right emotion for any space.
Discover Brand van Egmond’s remarkable light sculptures at XTRA Furniture, a premier importer and retailer of leading home brands, including Bulthaup, Minotti and more.
