Most people will know Henry Holland from the fashion world, but he has now entered the world of interiors with his beautiful ceramic creations. Using his own version of the Nerikomi technique, Henry’s pieces are unique, colourful and full of style. Since entering the homeware world earlier this year, his ceramic creations are now sold in Liberty, and he has collaborated with the likes of Moet & Chandon, Soho Home and Floor_Story, to name a few.
We visited Henry in his light and spacious studio in Hackney back in November to talk about his new career path, a better work-life balance, exciting new projects and what Christmas has in store for him this year.
Most people will know you from the fashion world – how did this shift into homeware and ceramics happen?
It was a total mistake, to be honest. When House of Holland was sold in March 2020, I decided that I was going to step back, and I started taking ceramic classes as a bit of fun on a Thursday evening as a creative outlet really. When lockdown intensified towards the end of the year, and I wasn’t able to go to classes any more, I ordered come clay to be delivered to my house and began experimenting and watching youtube videos and that’s how I discovered the technique which I now use for my pieces.
Is this new venture something you wanted to take on to have a slower, more mindful work place?
Definitely. Working in the fashion industry is really relentless, and as a creative, it’s hard to get enough headspace to maintain any sort of work-life balance, never mind a healthy one. I had worked on my own brand for almost 15 years, and I loved every single second of it, but I was also getting close to feeling a bit burnt out. I like that homeware has a slower pace to it – I’m still really busy, which is exciting, and I’m enjoying it so much, but it does feel like I can make my own rules in terms of the pace of things.
What value does scent have in your home or workplace?
Scent has a huge value to any space that I’m in, really – I think you have to pay attention to all of the senses when your curating a space, whether that’s at home or at work.
What is your idea of total relaxation?
In the bath, watching The Real Housewives of… anywhere, to be fair!
How easy is it to practice sustainability within Henry Holland Studio?
Well, we make our pieces using earth, so our materials are reasonably sustainable, but the firing process uses energy. We are currently working on a zero-waste collection using all of our waste materials, which is something that I feel is really important. We also work with 100% recycled or recyclable packaging. I think for any business starting today – if sustainability isn’t a part of your decision making then you’re set up to fail from the start.
Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations in the pipeline for December or early 2022 that you can tell us about?
We launched our Vases and Candle holders last month as new shapes for us, and I’m working on a new checkerboard design for the new year – I want to stay true to the techniques that we use and evolve the collection slowly for as long as I can.
With Christmas fast approaching, do you have any favourite spots that you’re looking forward to visiting this year?
I love going shopping around Mayfair and Princes Arcade over Christmas and popping into The RA to see an exhibition. I think London looks pretty good at Christmas!
Are you reading anything at the moment?
I’m reading The Every by Dave Eggers. I was on Radio 4 recently and they were reviewing and speaking highly of it, and I was intrigued. It’s a sequel to his previous book ‘The Circle’. So far, so good.
What is your favourite Evermore scent and why?
I love fig-based scents, so I love Tides. It’s really fresh and works in most rooms in the house.
Shop Tides
Follow Henry Holland Studio on Instagram:
@henryhollandstudio
Visit Henry Holland Studio’s Website:
henryhollandstudio.com
– Images by Liz Seabrook