Laikingland

Fingers Mk II by Nik Ramage for Laikingland

2011-12-28T12:39:00.007Z

Here's our latest Newsletter to launch a new edition of one of our favourite beautifully crafted kinetics objects.

Introducing Fingers Mk II by Nik Ramage for Laikingland, the eternally tapping mechanical copy of the artist's own hand gets a makeover with cold cast aluminium digits.

MAD Gallery, Geneva.

2011-12-01T12:28:00.009Z

Our friends at the MAD Gallery in Geneva have just sent us the below images.

"A magical universe where Horological Machines and Mechanical Art Devices reign supreme."

Our products must be happy there!

Happy Times at Dutch Design Week

2011-11-04T08:45:00.008Z

We had such a fabulous time at Dutch Design week in Eindhoven, here are some of the happy memories.

The Haagen Dazs Christmas edition ice cream,,, designed by Kiki, announced by Joost and eaten by Nick. YUM YUM!

Martin and Kiki share a joke while Joost is busy sketching under the permanently worried / engineering eye of Nick.

Willem presenting Story Time to two very important visitors. (His mum and dad!)

Willem presenting Story Time to another important person. Lonny, the designer of Story Time from Atelier NL.

Laikingland test engineering team (Simeon & Barnabe Regan) called by to make sure everything was OK with the Applause Machines.

HAPPY TIMES!

Dutch Design Week

2011-10-25T20:04:00.003+01:00

Kiki and Nick explain to the eager crowd what we are trying to develop during the T Workshop.

The Applause Machines agree its a good idea

T-Workshop with Kiki and Joost (day 4)

2011-10-25T13:27:00.005+01:00

All the Laikingland team have now arrived in Eindhoven.

Now the fun really starts as we discuss with Kiki and Joost and start sketching some kinetic design concepts.

T-Workshop with Kiki & Joost (day 2)

2011-10-24T08:45:00.007+01:00

It was a busy day at T Workshop with lots of interest in our Story Time product.

We also decided to look at some additional conventional products that may be transformed into a Laikingland kinetic object together with Kiki and Joost.

Could you imagine a kinetic vase? Or a picture frame with a beautiful moving mechanism?

Let's see what happens in the next few days...

T-Workshop with Kiki & Joost (day 1)

2011-10-22T17:34:00.003+01:00

The first day is nearly finished here at Dutch Design Week & we spent the day choosing "potential Laikingland products" that will be designed by Kiki and Joost together with the Laikingland team for our collection in 2012.

You can see some potential directions on the table,,,, a staple machine, some weighing scales, a light box / lamp.

We've set the goal of choosing ONE product concept this week. Fun stuff ahead!

T-Workshop Entrance

2011-10-19T14:56:00.009+01:00

This is the workshop entrance at the new studio of Kiki van Eijk and Joost van Bleiswijk.

On Friday we'll be there to set up for Dutch Design week and prepare the T-Workshop event.

Exciting times! We're wondering which type of "beautifully crafted kinetic object" we'll develop with Kiki and Joost.

Later this week, I'll post some details of our plans for T-Workshop.

T-Workshop with Kiki & Joost

2011-10-12T14:17:00.008+01:00

Next stop for the Laikingland team is Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven

We've been invited to the new studio of Kiki van Eijk and Joost van Bleiswijk to take part in T-Workshop.

What will happen behind those doors? More details to follow soon....

MAD Gallery, Geneva

2011-09-27T21:29:00.003+01:00

Laikingland's latest partner and stockist is the “M.A.D Gallery” in the heart of Geneva. The address is rue Verdaine 11

Here is some information from Maximilian Büsser the owner of the Gallery.

The M.A.D Gallery is much more than a boutique – as its name implies, it’s a Gallery. You’ll obviously find the complete range of our Horological Machines (MB&F), but you’ll also discover carefully-curated pieces from around the world, which make our hearts beat faster: to give you a little preview, amazing ‘Machine Lights’ from Berlin; beautiful alien machines by a Chinese artist; kinetic art crafted by an English artist-engineer team with a great sense of humour; sleekly-designed machines from Slovenia… and more on the way. The common thread? They’re all machines, as seen by artists, designers, photographers and other creators from across the planet. Did I mention that “M.A.D” stands for “Mechanical Art Devices”?

For more info on the M.A.D Gallery, feel free to contact the Gallery Manager, Isabelle Boutantin, who just joined us a few weeks ago: ib@mbandf.com

Applause Machines going to Geneva

2011-09-17T15:03:00.004+01:00

This wonderful set of Applause Machines are flying off to Geneva this week. They will soon be seen and available from a new gallery of Mechanical Art Devices (MAD) opening in early October.

More detail about the gallery soon.

Applause Machine Boxes

2011-09-15T19:52:00.001+01:00

The new Applause Machine packaging and boxes have just arrived.

2011-08-29T13:33:00.013+01:00

KK Outlet presents Object Abuse as part of London Design Festival.

The KK Outlet challenged a group of leading artists, designers and stylists to take an everyday object, remould, rebuild and repurpose it to create an entirely new item using as little additional materials as possible.

Here's my response:

Title: Treacle Lung

Description: A kinetic device for smoking cigarettes.

Materials: Lyle's Black Treacle tin, Brass, wood, marigold rubber glove and cigarette (not supplied).

Dimensions: Height 28 cm / 11".

Power: Hand cranked.

Here's the how to make it guide from my friend Monsieur Cabinet

The full collection of transformed works will be show at KK Outlet throughout September as part of London Design Festival and the ICON Design Guide.

Each item will be for sale during the show with all proceeds being donated to the St Monica’s of Hackney Primary School Art Department.

Laikingland featured in the Telegraph Magazine

2011-08-27T21:28:00.004+01:00

Fingers by Nik Ramage was feature in the Telegraph Magazine's Design Notebook. Fingers is an eternally tapping copy of the artist’s own hand. At the flick of a switch the resin cast fingers drum rhythmically until switched off. Available from Laikingland's online store for £520

Laikingland featured in the latest issue of Crafts Magazine

2011-07-03T17:20:00.003+01:00

Crafts Magazine Issue No. 231, July/August

Mischief Makers
Founded by Nick Regan and Martin Smith, Laikingland works with a host of famous names to create machines for playing. Kara O’Reilly pays a visit to the fun factory.

At its most basic level, there is something about the sculptures made by Laikingland that awakens the not-so-dormant inner child in everyone who sees them. But what do they put their appeal down to? Well, as their literature says, Laikingland is about making ‘beautifully crafted limited-edition kinetic objects that engage, as well as evoke a sense of play and nostalgia.’ Smith agrees: ‘That’s our company philosophy, our core values. But what’s its purpose? To make people smile. That’s important for the soul. It’s about mischief, something to brighten the mood.’

Read the article here

The Lady Killer Vol.1 by Atelier Ted Noten

2011-06-26T12:03:00.009+01:00

The Lady Killer Ring is exclusive to this piece and made to measure.
22 carat yellow gold, a 0.50 carat brilliant cut colourless diamond and a 0.03 carat 2mm brilliant cut black diamond.

A powerful looking miniature robot created using the latest 3D printing technologies sits inside a robust transparent box with museum polished finish. It's function is to protect and present the "Lady Killer" ring.

Box and Mechanism: Acrylic, Nylon, brushed stainless steel, motors and custom electronics.

Dimensions: Height 250mm/10" Width 400mm/16" Depth 210mm/8 1/2".

Power: 12 volt internal battery.

Colour: White, transparent and gold.

Edition: Limited to 18 (plus 2 Artist proofs).

Price: On request.

Availability: October 2011 (Pre-orders accepted from July 2011).

More information here

Concentric Wave

2011-06-05T16:03:00.012+01:00

I had a request from Adam who wanted to 3D model my Concentric Wave - just for fun! I agreed and a movie of the original piece along with his fine work are below.

The kinetic sculpture, titled Concentric Wave, is the largest Smith has produced to date and is permanently sited at The Harley Gallery, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. The sculpture straddles a four metre circular pond at the bottom of a red brick lined amphitheatre in the gallery garden.

“Conceived as a mechanical reflection of the water below, the piece is about simplicity, repetition, rhythm and balance.” Smith explains.

From Presbarkeep:
This is a 3d recreation of Martin Smith's "Concentric Wave" sculpture. I was looking for inspiration and found it in his video. Modeled in 3ds Max, 2009. Rendered with Mental Ray.

The Lady Killer Vol.1 in Milan

2011-05-15T13:54:00.011+01:00

Conventionally a jewellery box is a special container for storing your prized possessions, it's often decorated and contains several sections. "Lady Killer Vol.1" is certainly a special container, it has a boxy form that houses jewellery and is adorned with carefully crafted decoration, and it even has upper and lower compartments.

But "Lady Killer Vol.1" by Atelier Ted Noten with Laikingland is not a conventional jewellery box; it pokes a sturdy robotic finger in the face of convention.

Inspired by the 2004 "Unstaged" installation of a robot and a ring, where Atelier Ted Noten set a full size industrial robot alongside a safe in an Amsterdam gallery with the function of protecting and presenting one wonderful ring. "Lady Killer Vol.1" allows the robot protector concept to be carried into your own home, your own office, your own gallery or wherever she decides.

A powerful looking miniature robot created by the latest 3D printing technologies sits inside a robust transparent box with museum polished finish. For him the robot could rest there forever, protecting.

But one day he'll decide to open the lid, for her....

He pushes the button and the custom made electronics pulse the robot into life. It rises slowly but purposely, rotates a second arm and turns towards her. The "Lady Killer" ring, in full view now is spun around one way and then the other, in front of her eyes. Finally it extends, offering her the ring.

Will she take it?

Laikingland products @ Tate Modern shop

2011-05-12T12:15:00.000+01:00

We're delighted to announce that the Tate have decided to show & retail a selection of our products at the Tate Modern museum shop.

Here's the address : Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG.

The products have been been available at Tate Britain for the last few weeks and have been really well received. Soon they can also be purchased via the Tate online store.

Sunday in Milan

2011-04-18T07:52:00.004+01:00

Sunday is the day when all the Milanese visit the design exhibition.

Lots of visitors remembered us from 2010.

Lots of fun.... see you next year Milan. Ciao.

Milano 2011 gallery images

2011-04-14T07:49:00.011+01:00

Here's some more images of our Milano show.

The gallery space.

The product range.

The Story Time 'clock'.

Lady Killer Vol 1 "robot in a jewellery box?"

It's ALL about the Lady Killer ring!

Happy times... ciao.

FUNction in Milano

2011-04-12T23:45:00.002+01:00

Here is our presentation in Milano.

Via Ventura 6, 20134 Milan, Italy.

Opening hours: 12 April - Sunday, 17 April, 10 am - 8 pm

VenturaLambrate Opening Night: Wednesday, 13 April, 7 pm - 11 pm

If you are in the area pop in and say hello.

Cacophony Bell by Tord Boontje with Laikingland

2011-04-05T20:41:00.007+01:00

Here's a detail image of the Cacophony Bell by Tord Boontje that we've been developing for the Milan show next week.

We'll post some "real" product images from the gallery...

If you're lucky enough to be in Milan next week, please come along for a look and say "hello".

Here are the details and location of FUNction exhibition in Ventura Lambrate.

Fingers stars in Broadway Show

2011-03-28T20:36:00.005+01:00

Our friends at the Conran Shop have started showing our product range in their New York store. Here's the address : THE CONRAN SHOP, 888 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Fingers by Nik Ramage is enjoying his lead role, tapping away in the window display. All the product range will be on show inside the store until mid April.

Mantas in Control

2011-03-19T16:00:00.006Z

We're delighted to welcome Mantas Brazinskas to collaborate with our team at Laikingland.

Mantas has the "daunting" task of programming the robot for our Atelier Ted Noten jewelry box.

Luckily for us he's an award winning student from Middlesex University, one of the UK's best product design / engineering courses and comes highly recommended for his mechatronics skills.

Good luck Mantas!! (And Thanks also to Debbie and Alex at Middlesex for their help with the project.)

Laikingland @ Designblabla

2011-03-16T09:35:00.003Z

Our next product showcase starts this weekend at the all new DESIGNBLABLA gallery at Roeselare in Belgium.

CONGRATULATIONS!! to Peter and Suzy who have transformed their 25 year old Domus+ design store into this exciting new gallery space.

Our Gallery in Milan

2011-03-09T20:49:00.008Z

Here's a couple of photos of our gallery for the FUNction exhibition in Milan next month.

We'll be showing our new kinetic objects created in collaboration with Tord Boontje, Atelier Ted Noten & Atelier NL.

Thanks to Fulvia from Organisation in Design (OiD) for the images.

We'll be part of an event called Ventura Lambrate, which is organised by OiD. Apparently they've printed 150,000 floor plans of the area, so hopefully a good few people will be passing through.

Here's the gallery address: Via Ventura 6, 20134 Milan, Italy.

Opening hours:

Press Preview: Monday, 11 April, 3 pm - 8 pm

General Opening Hours: Tuesday, 12 April - Sunday, 17 April, 10 am - 8 pm

VenturaLambrate Opening Night: Wednesday, 13 April, 7 pm - 11 pm

Laikingland investigates FUNction

2011-02-27T20:55:00.006Z

The title of our exhibition at Ventura Lambrate, Milan is FUNction.

Alongside our current range of beautifully crafted kinetic objects, we'll be showing our new products developped with Tord Boontje, Atelier Ted Noten and AtelierNL.

Above is a maquette image for the work with Tord, watch this space for more news & images in the coming weeks.

A visit to Mint, London

2011-02-25T10:12:00.004Z

I was in London earlier this week and popped in to see our friends at Mint.

It's always great to see how they show our work.

Their customers seem to agree as we're really busy trying to keep up with the orders they keep sending.

Happy / busy times... Thanks Lina and all the Mint crew!

Laikingland @ Kinetica Art Fair 2011

2011-01-31T20:23:00.003Z

Really looking forward to visiting the Kinetica Art Fair 2011 later this week.

The fair is open from 3rd - 6th Feb and we'll be there to catch up with some old friends, enjoy the exhibition and hopefully do a bit of business... our products are on show and on sale at the event.

Hope to see you there.

What can't you do with 3D Printing?

2011-01-27T15:42:00.004Z

I had a great time visiting Freedom of Creation (FOC) in Amsterdam this morning.

It's fabulous to see their range of products (images) and the versitility of their materials and finishes.

We agreed to work together on one of the projects that we'll show later this year at Ventura Lambrate.

As they say over here in the Netherlands..... LEUK!

Heart Machines

2011-01-23T20:17:00.002Z

The first batch of HEART MACHINES are now finished and will be with their lucky owners very soon.

I've made this first edition of 10 with the help of Olivia and each one is numbered and signed under the base.

Laikingland @ Ventura Lambrate 2011

2011-01-20T10:41:00.008Z

We're really happy and excited to announce that we will return to Milan in April for the 2011 edition of Ventura Lambrate.

The event has a very international feel this year, click here details.

The title of our exhibition is FUNction..... watch this space for details in the coming weeks.

Laikingland @ Avant Gallery, Miami

2011-01-14T20:30:00.006Z

In 2011 we're planning to add 20 - 30 premium design stores / galleries to our list of retail partners in key global locations.

We had a fabulous start to the year by agreeing this week to partner with Avant Gallery in Miami.

The mission of Avant Gallery is "to electrify your spirit, and to deliver inspiration through forward-thinking art and design". Here's an article showing the type of products our kinetic object will sit alongside, Hauteliving.com

Dmitry Prut, the gallery founder considers himself "a fan" of Laikingland. We're certainly looking forward to working together!

The Heart Machine

2011-01-05T20:00:00.004Z

Automata enthusiast and friend Sergio Pinese has created an automata making contest called Crankahead. With the competition deadline and Valentine's Day fast approaching I thought it would be fun to make a piece for both occasions and the result is The Heart Machine.

It's an alarming little machine to demand the attention of the one you love.

I've decided to make a small edition for people to buy and they will be available from the Laikingland webshop.

Storm in a Tea Cup

2010-12-12T18:00:00.004Z

Here is a movie of the Royal Delft "Storm in a Tea Cup" by John Lumbus.

Available from Laikingland.

Home-grown talent:Laikingland | The Conran Shop Blog

2010-12-08T22:20:00.004Z

Home-grown talent:Laikingland | The Conran Shop Blog

Our Conran Shop showcase enters its last week so get down there fast before it too late.

The Conran Shop Christmas Window

2010-12-04T13:55:00.002Z

The Applause Machine and The Party Popper Machine are now a feature of the Conran Shop window.

Inside the shop the pieces are being used, enjoyed and bought.

Don't miss a chance to buy one of our kinetic objects and the show is on until the 15th at the Conran Shop, Chelsea.

Delivering Kinetic Goodies

2010-12-03T21:17:00.003Z

I've just packed my bag for London. The bag in question is this very stylish "Eroski" tote that I will be using to deliver some more stock to the Conran Shop.

(Eroski is a Spanish supermarket chain with nearly 1,000 outlets spread across Spain).

Robot Arm Maquette

2010-12-03T12:31:00.004Z

Here is the latest maquette of the robot arm that we are developing into a kinetic piece with Dutch geniuses Atelier Ted Noten.

It's a fully working articulated prototype and I've made from the most modern of materials (wood).

We'll show more details of this project developing in the coming months.

The Miniature Lazy Chair

2010-11-27T18:35:00.007Z

Here is a movie of the Miniature Lazy Chair. It has all the characteristics and movement of the original Lazy Chair but is exactly 1/6th in scale.

A push of the lever and the Lazy Chair collapses, it slowly rights itself in a random human-like manner after a few moments delay.

The Laikingland team are finding that once completed each chair has a unique personality. Shall we say, "some are more lazy than others".

Conran Shop Visit No 3

2010-11-21T19:36:00.007Z

I've saved the best for last of my Conran Shop Visit trilogy...

There I was on Thursday evening trying to figure out how to attact customers away from my "wine tasting in different sized glasses event" neighbour and over to the Laikingland product showcase....

A smiling old(ish) gentleman seemingly takes pity on me and wanders over for a chat. "I really love your machines," he confirms looking across our space.

"Thanks very much" I reply, "Would you like me to tell you more about our company or the products?"

"Actually" he says "I know quite a lot about them..." and with an even bigger smile... "My name is Conran."

"Ahhh,,," I exclaim, shaking his hand, somewhat embarassed & slightly in awe,,, "well it's really nice to meet you and errm,,, Thanks very much for inviting us here!!"

What a really lovely chap, we chatted for a few minutes and then he wandered off leaving me to pull myself back together and quickly text Martin about our latest Laikingland fan....

Conran Shop Visit 2

2010-11-19T13:22:00.017Z

Thursday evening at the Conran Shop on Fulham Road was their first Christmas shopping event of the year,,, always a bit of a party.

Here's a couple of films showing Martin's Party Popper Machine in action... every memorable party should have one.

A beautifully crafted nonsense machine,,,,,, the reactions always make me smile.

Conran Shop Visit 1

2010-11-17T18:08:00.021Z

Today was exciting and fun. I'm in London to visit the Conran Shop and make sure everything is OK for our Handcrafted in Britain product showcase.

Here's the famous old Michelin building that's home to the Conran Shop on Fulham Road.

There's already a Christmas feel from across the road.

Here's the window display for the upcoming festive period.

The store is so full of beautiful design items,,, there's something I recognise over in the corner.

Here's the Handcrafted in Britain space.

And here's Laikingland's Fingers, Storm in a Tea Cup & Miniature Lazy Chair, patiently awaiting all the action of the upcoming month.

Here's the Clapping Hand(s)crafted in Britain.

And finally The Party Popper Machine.... as you can see already being put to good use.

I'm back there tomorrow evening for the Conran shop Christmas shopping event.

Looking forward to see the customers reactions,,,, if they like the objects half as much as the Conran staff do, then we can expect a successful few weeks.

The work will be on display until 15th December at:

The Conran Shop

Michelin House
81 Fulham road
London
SW3 6RD
www.conranshop.co.uk

Britain's Top Makers & Assistants @ Laikingland

2010-11-16T11:35:00.012Z

"It’s important that we support craft in the UK because it is the only way Britain can revive manufacturing while developing a luxury goods market,’ says Sir Terence Conran.

‘If successful, what starts off as craftspeople making things on a small scale can become an industry of its own.’ Polly Dickens, the Creative Director of The Conran Shop agrees. "With Handcrafted in Britain, we’re promoting the assistants of the top makers – as these people become better known, they will go on to get their own studios and train their own assistants." she continues.

For more details click here.

Here's some images of our Laikingland top makers & assistants who've helped us make products for the Handcrafted in Britain showcase.

Nik Ramage, in the foreground & me in the background. (NOTE: I'm the only none maker in the company....)

John Lumbus, the artist who created Storm in a Tea Cup, seen above brazing some Applause Machine sub assemblies.

Olivia Ball, who is our very very talented maker / assistant.

Phil Procter, our newest design graduate recruit.

Jim Bond and Samantha Bryan, our artist / friends who help out from time to time.

BIG THANKS to all you guys.

Nick & Martin.

White Week

2010-11-14T02:39:00.005Z

The Chalk White Party Popper Machines are finished and have already been shipped to The Conran Shop in London and the Frozen Fountain in Amsterdam.

We are now working on a set of 6 Chalk White Applause Machines, some of which are destined for Moss in New York City.

Anonymous Boxes

2010-11-11T22:21:00.007Z

Here are the boxes containing all the pieces for the Handcrafted in Britain show at the Conran Shop.

They don't look much but inside there are:

19 Applause Machines (various colours)

2 Party Popper Machines (1 black, 1 white)

4 Miniature Lazy Chairs

3 Fingers

4 Storm in a Tea Cups (2 delft, 2 New English)

It's quite fragile and quite valuable (£10,430.00) but can also be stacked like this:

The work will be on display from Monday 15th November at:

The Conran Shop

Michelin House
81 Fulham road
London
SW3 6RD
www.conranshop.co.uk

Hopefully out of the boxes!

Highly Skilled & Local Suppliers

2010-11-10T13:10:00.005Z

It's always our aim to either make our components at Laikingland or buy them from highly skilled local UK suppliers.

Sometimes we find fantastic suppliers right on our own doorstep!

For example the supplier of these Miniature Lazy Chair axles is so local that they weren't delivered but we picked them up.

Always good to keep transport & delivery costs to a minium,,,. our journey takes us down the stairs from our workshop , 10 metres up the road, a knock on Simon's door and remember to say "Thanks" as he hands over the parts.

What Lies Beneath.

2010-11-08T22:36:00.004Z

This is the mechanism that makes the Miniature Lazy Chair lazy.

You can see more of this piece on the Laikingland website.

The Party Popper Machine by Martin Smith

2010-11-06T22:06:00.006Z

Here is the first cut (and maybe the last) of the Party Popper Machine movie.

Handmade Production @ Design Academy, Eindhoven

2010-11-03T15:15:00.006Z

There's always so much to see during the graduation galleries at the Design Academy, Eindhoven.

I also love to read what the students have to say.

I particularly enjoyed the study and work of Kitikoon Worrasorratorn. The issues he raises certainly ring true with our own Laikingland objects and handmade production techniques.

Here is his beautifully made anonymous box.... apologies that the photo doesn't divulge the secret beauty of the craftwork inside.

Congratulations Kitikoon!

Dutch Design Eek

2010-11-01T20:45:00.012Z

I had a completely brilliant time visiting the new space of Piet Hein Eek during Dutch Design week.

His new factory isn't quite ready...

But the plans are certainly coming together.

Above technical drawing of this chair seems to be in order.

Exhibition space is wonderful, with Piet Hein Eek work showing alongside invited guests including Tom Dixon.

In one of the newly rented studio / workhops, I also had the pleasure to meet Wouter Scheublin and see his completely amazing walking furniture.

The restaurant is also wonderful and the shop full of treats.

We were all sad to leave,,,, especially the kids who can be seen above taking glass blowing lessons.

The story of Story Time at Dutch Design Week

2010-10-31T16:32:00.008Z

Here's Willem a few weeks ago, very busy working on our Story Time product.

Here's the prototype mechanism that he'd dreamed up.... on the above post it note.

And here he is with his mechanism and the Story Time product at Flipside Gallery this weekend at Eindhoven.

Looks beautiful, but lots of development work to do through the winter... the motor that I'd chosen earlier this year certainly wasn't the star of Dutch Design week.

Next step for us is a meeting with Lonny and Nadine at Atelier NL, we'll finalise our techincal recommendations and start the search for Story Time authors.

Busy Week

2010-10-28T22:45:00.008+01:00

It's been a very busy week in Laikingland with our show at the Conran Shop fast approaching.

Mr Lumbus and I celebrated finishing a batch of the "Storm in a Tea Cup" with a nice cup of tea from the Royal Delft, of course!

We added Phil Procter to our highly skilled team of craftspeople.

Rather than ask him to make anything on his first day, we asked him to dismantle our prototype Miniature Lazy Chair!

And finally the next few Party Popper Machines are just about ready, including a couple of white ones that I've made.

More details about the show at the Conran shop soon, in the meantime if you can't wait all the above pieces are available direct from Laikingland.

New Recruit @ Laikingland

2010-10-22T16:45:00.007+01:00

We welcomed our new recruit, Phil Procter to the studio today.

Here he is trying to figure out how the Mini Lazy Chair works...

And here he's given up working out the mechanism and decided it's more fun just to play with it.

Good luck with that mechanism Phil & enjoy!

Story Time by Atelier NL for Laikingland @ Dutch Design Week

2010-10-19T16:30:00.007+01:00

Dutch Design Week starts this coming weekend in Eindhoven and runs from 23rd - 31st Oct.

Our friends at Atelier NL have been invited to show Story Time at the Flipside Gallery exhibition "Time of your life." See here for details.

I'll be really happy to return to the Flipside Gallery, here are some details from our previous visit.

Martin's visit to Centre Pompidou

2010-10-13T15:22:00.007+01:00

It's always great to see our work on show...

Here's some photos of Martin's recent visit to Printemps Design store at the Centre Pompidou, Paris.

Looks like he's spotted something...

Some souvenir snaps....

And a few more.

Amterdam and Paris

2010-10-03T20:16:00.004+01:00

After the London Design Festival we popped over to Amsterdam for a design meeting with Ted and Marcel at Atelier Ted Noten. The aim of the meeting was to decide on the robot arm's movement for the New Jewellery Box. We had great fun playing with the wooden maquette that I had made and now that's decided we can progress to a rapid prototyped version that will be motorised and controlled.

Ted, Nick and Marcel.

After that it was straight on to Paris for meetings about secret projects for next year. While in Paris we took the opportunity to visit Printemps Design in the Centre Pompidou where the Applause Machines are currently on show and selling well.

There is something quite funny about them being behind glass, but I like it.

DROP by Paul Cocksedge

2010-09-25T15:28:00.000+01:00

Drop is a giant coin which will be transformed by people attaching pennies to it's magnetic surfaces.

"Charlie" by Freshwest

2010-09-24T08:30:00.000+01:00

This is "Charlie" the excitable chair at the Mint opening. As the shop became so full and he got so excited there was a danger of him having an accident. He was duly sent to bed early but is back on form today.

For the trickiest of decisions...

2010-09-22T10:15:00.011+01:00

It was such a tricky decision, that it made our heads hurt!

We just couldn't decide.... do we show our products at the London Design Festival?

Or do we show them at the London Anti Design Festival?

It was so tricky that we decided to call on the creative services of our good friend Nik Ramage.

We were sure that he could lend us a hand. Maybe he'd make us a head scratching machine or something like that,,,, but of course, being such a technoligical whizz,, he came back with a MUCH better device.

Decision Time, an iPhone App by Nik Ramage for Laikingland.

Bringing a smile to the world of decision making....

At the option screen we chose to "Get on with it!" and as Nik's Fingers tapped and the countdown clock ticked towrds zero, we came up the solution... Let's do both.

Here's where you can find us at the LDF and the ADF.

If you've got an iPhone, (with OS v 4.0 or later) you can even use Decision Time to decide which show to visit first... available to download from the App Store.

Hope our products and our iPhone App make you smile & really hope to see you at one of the shows.

Fresh West and Charlie

2010-09-17T19:31:00.005+01:00

A few weeks ago our friends from Fresh West asked if we'd like to help them make a vibrating chair....

Playful, kinetic, beautifully crafted,,,, "Of course we'd like to." we replied.

You can see the result of our collaboration above with Marcus. (NOTE : Marcus is the none vibrating human in the photo.) Apparently he's got quite a personality 'Charlie' and is quite exciteable when approached.... you can find out more here

During the London Design Festival he'll be on show as part of the HomeWorks show at Mint.

Decision Time iPhone App : The Movie

2010-09-17T08:04:00.005+01:00

Bringing a smile to the world of decision making....

Here's a small movie of Decision Time courtesy of our good friend Jorn @ Flatform Games Studio in Amsterdam.

Decision Time iPhone App by Nik Ramage & Laikingland.

2010-09-16T20:37:00.026+01:00

An iPhone App by Laikingland?.... Can it really be true?
Please, read on....

Fingers by Nik Ramage has had a really great year...

First he was a big hit at 100% Design in London 2009.

Then he went on a Finger tapping world tour with shows including Shanghai, Milan, Copenhagen and Amsterdam.

And now,,, just in time for his return to the 2010 edition of the London Design Festival, he's gone and got himself digitized and found a starring role in Decision Time, our very first & almost useful iPhone App.

Bringing a smile to the world of decision making, Fingers teams up with the humble countdown clock and works relentlessly to accompany and encourage your every day decisions.... no matter how big or small.

The App options screen offers 3 simple choices

Easy decision : 10 seconds : Get on with it!
Medium decision : 20 seconds : Wait for it....
Difficult decision : 30 seconds : My head hurts!

As the selection is made, the countdown clock ticks and Fingers impatiently taps in the background.

When the clock reaches zero, Times Up! The Fingers stop and it's your Decision Time!

Imagine,,,, Transforming your iPhone into a device that forever vanquishes needless procrastination.

Some had wondered... what exactly should you do with Fingers that won't stop drumming?

Hope you like the answer to this question...

Available to download at the App Store.

BIG THANKS : Jorn @ Flatform Games Studio, Adrian for the film work and all images courtesy of Jon Stanley Austin.

HomeWorks at Mint (18 - 30 Sept)

2010-09-13T11:14:00.014+01:00

Our friends at Mint have a fabulous show planned for the London Design Festival.

Here's some images of the 13 "reworked" Danish shipyard chairs...

And here's where to see the exhibition.

Our full range of beautifully crafted kinetic objects will also be on show.

There's more info and images on the LDF website.... Look forward to seeing you there!

Samantha Bryan

2010-09-12T18:52:00.001+01:00

Samantha has worked with Laikingland to help produce some of Martin's Applause Machines over the last year.

We only ever manage to acquire her services for the occasional day as she is very busy creating her own very wonderful work.

Stormy Night

2010-09-11T23:10:00.001+01:00

Working late into the evening with John Lumbus to finish the pieces for Mint in London.

Printemps Design Boutique @ Centre Pompidou

2010-09-11T15:40:00.011+01:00

Just visited our latest stockist, the Printemps Design boutique @ Centre Pompidou.

It's situated on the ground floor just next to where the 5,5 million vistors per year queue to buy their 'expo' tickets.

Next product we'll send might be our Miniature Lazy chair.

But first they've chosen our Applause Machines.... here's the graphite black version. Translation should probably read,,, Please ask before touching!!

And here's the Current Red, Signal Green, Traffic Orange & Construction (nearly hidden) Yellow ones.

Probably paparazzi....

Always a tricky decision,, "Which colour is my favourite?"

Sorry Martin, I know I get ALL the tough jobs....

Engaging the Observer

2010-09-10T11:00:00.007+01:00

Earlier in the Summer, we asked the greatly talented photographer Jon Stanley Austin to visit our Laikingland studio. He took some stunning images and here's some of my favourites where he really invites the observer to engage with our products...

Turn the handle...

Push the button...

Flick the switch,,,

& Push the lever.

What a pleasure to work with such creative people.

Miniature Lazy Chairs Part 2

2010-09-08T18:55:00.003+01:00

I've been getting requests to see images of the Laikingland studio and our kinetic objects being made. Above you can see a batch of Miniature Lazy Chairs being made and some of the highly technical tools involved (Bic biro, Stanley knife and a cutting mat). Obviously due to confidentiality agreements I'm not allowed to show you the really technical "stuff".

Here is a very lovely image of the trusty Laikingland Pillar Drill and the not so trusty wonky chair (not made by Laikingland).

Miniature Lazy Chairs

2010-09-05T18:58:00.003+01:00

The first batch of Miniature Lazy Chairs designed by Freshwest are now finished and will soon be on their way to Laikingland collectors.

25 Favorites from Milan

2010-09-01T15:44:00.004+01:00

We're in the September edition of 101 Woonideeen Magazine in the Netherlands.

Our products were chosen as one of the magazines "25 toppers uit milaan," I think the rough translation is "25 favorites from Milan"

Laikingland delivery to the KK Outlet

2010-09-01T09:25:00.006+01:00

Popped down to London yesterday to deliver all the Laikingland kinetic objects for the forthcoming showcase at the kessels kramer Outlet in Hoxton Square.

I managed to find a parking space outside this building in order to pop a couple of doors down to the really cool KK Outlet.

White Cube Gallery

Here is what I delivered:

And here is where its going, hopefully they'll unpack it first!

Exhibition runs 3rd - 27th September

The KK Outlet

Hoxton Square

London

N1 6PB

Google Map

Lazy Chair Braking Cam Design

2010-08-23T12:08:00.006+01:00

Here's the final design for the shape of our cam that acts as a brake for our Miniature Lazy Chair.

When the lever is pushed, the chair collapses and the cam shape rotates into a silicon rubber. A torsion spring then tries to push the wheel away from the silicon rubber, returning the chair back to it's initial standing position.

We initially designed the shape in 2D CAD, had the parts laser cut, then left it to our craftsmen to add the final tweaks to the cam shape,,, these tweaks allow the chair to raise slowly, like it's really Lazy!

Laikingland in Design Indaba Magazine

2010-08-13T15:41:00.005+01:00

Earlier in the Summer we were delighted to see our products selected and shown in the beautiful Design Indaba Magazine from Cape Town, South Africa.

Laikingland @ Spoonfork Magazine

2010-08-09T14:27:00.006+01:00

We were delighted to see this very nice article published yesterday by Spoonfork Magazine.

Spoonfork is an award winning German online magazine focussed on design, fashion and music... with such a name, they've obviously got very good taste.

Arthur Ganson makes moving sculpture

2010-08-04T13:11:00.005+01:00

Some times I check out the "Ideas Worth Spreading" on TED.

This one is particularly wonderful...... Arthur Ganson makes moving sculpture Video on TED.com

Our Very Handy New Intern

2010-07-30T15:08:00.003+01:00

Here is Olivia Ball, Laikingland's intern, assembling the latest batch of Nik Ramge's Fingers.

The digits, or phalanges as we like to call them, are actually cast from Nik's own fingers. Olivia has said its been a strange experience having the hand of a man she has never met resting on her knee, but she is enjoying her work all the same!

Fingers in the Post

2010-07-24T17:59:00.003+01:00

A nice box of Nik Ramage's fingers arrived in the post this morning. We will now assemble them to make some very ingenious finger drumming hands.

The Party Popper Machines

2010-07-21T15:13:00.003+01:00

The first of The Party Popping Machines are now ready. I'm personally making these as the edition is only going to be 10.

Here they are on the Laikingland website.

Viva la España!

2010-07-11T22:35:00.001+01:00

Well done Spain.

Hup Holland Hup

2010-07-06T13:37:00.004+01:00

I'll be watching the Netherlands in the FINAL of the World Cup tonight and cheering on the Oranje with my trusty Orange Applause Machine.

COLETTE & KESSELSKRAMER LONDON

2010-06-29T14:30:00.008+01:00

Laikingland's collaboration with colette moves from Paris to London as they show a set of "colette Blue" Applause Machines at KesselsKramer's outlet in Hoxton Square.

Throughout the summer KesselsKramer London and the legendary Parisian store colette will undertake an exclusive shop swap. colette will holiday on Hoxton Square, bringing with them hand picked products and artwork of some very special French friends.

In return KesselsKramer will take over colette with unique art work specially created for the collaboration by Erik Kessels, along with a range of our best titles and products.

Colette's Window

2010-06-14T09:35:00.006+01:00

colette, always the same never the same, enjoy, each week, their front windows !

The Applause Machines and Fingers are now on show in the front window of the Colette store in Paris.

Colette is a concept store and the preeminent Parisian fashion and style boutique in the heart of the fashion and luxury district in Paris.

More information here.

A Storm is Brewing

2010-06-11T10:06:00.001+01:00

John (Lumbus) and the team at Laikingland are working away on hand crafting these pieces to the highest possible standards and we are pleased to say that they are on schedule for release in July. Due to the amount of work involved we are keeping the editions to only 12 pieces in each design and they are available directly from the Laikingland online shop.

Title: Storm in a Tea Cup.
Designer: John Lumbus.
Manufacturer: Laikingland, Royal Delft and The New English.
Materials: Ceramic, plastic and brass.
Dimensions: 15 cm / 6"
Power: Hand operated.
Edition: Limited to 12 in each design.
Colours: Royal Delft Blue and White. The New English White and Gold.
Availability: Pre-order now for delivery in July 2010.
£550.00 (ex Tax £468.09)

Shanghai Expo 2010

2010-06-05T23:02:00.005+01:00

We are currently exhibiting some of beautiful kinetic objects in collaboration with our great friends, CultureLabel.com, in the Shanghai Expo 2010.

If you close one eye fully and squint with your other, you can just about make out Nik Ramage's Fingers drumming away on the distant shelves.

Nice things have been said about the exhibition and I guess Thomas Heatherwick knows what he's taking about.

Memories of Milan

2010-06-02T20:10:00.005+01:00

Here we have Nick and I celebrating "wear a blue/grey shirt night" with Marcus and Simon of Freshwest.

Maarten Baas came along to see our new collection of kinetic objects and we managed to make him smile.

He describes Laikingland as highly inventive in this article.

Here's Nick getting ready for one of his many interviews, practising his ers and ums!

The results of the interview are here.

Laikingland @ Colette, Paris

2010-06-01T08:59:00.021+01:00

Fingers by Nik Ramage is impatiently tapping his errr... fingers, as he awaits his Paris debut at the world famous lifestyle store, Colette.

Luckily, a group of his good friends the Applause Machines by Martin Smith, are also there to keep him company.

They'll be applauding his eternal finger tapping performance and wowing their new Parisian fans in the Colette shop window from 14 - 19 June. For more details click here.

Perfect Wedding Gift

2010-05-22T22:44:00.008+01:00

A perfect wedding gift for the beautiful & happy couple...

Congratulations to our good friends Willem & Maaike.

ENJOY!

Post Milan 2010 @ Frozen Fountain

2010-05-10T10:16:00.012+01:00

Last Friday evening I had a great time at the opening party of the Post Milan 2010 show at Frozen Fountain, Amsterdam.

Here's some images of the products and the smiling party people...

Our beautifully crafted kinetic objects ready for action...

Ear protectors are NOT provided with the Party Popper Machine.

Eye protection might be....

Party go-ers enjoying red wine and apple pie,,, something for all tastes.

It's getting late and the mini Lazy Chair is fall-over tired.

But the Party Popper Machine is in explosive form...

What a party!

We'll send some more Party Poppers soon,,, the show runs at the Frozen Fountain until 31st May.

Thanks to Cok and Dick for the invitation to the show and of course the invitation to the party!!

Exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

2010-05-08T19:41:00.003+01:00

Liquorice Loops by Ivan Black

The Magnet Mobiles by Ivan Black are now being shown in the Window of the gallery shop at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Who deserves the political applause?

2010-04-30T19:11:00.003+01:00

Not sure if any of them deserve applause but who will win the British General Election and take all the glory?

Applause Machines @ Mint, London

2010-04-27T19:02:00.007+01:00

Our friends at Mint, London sent us this beautiful image this afternoon.

Photography by Inge Clemente.

We're really happy that our Applause Machines are being put to good use applauding the wonderful Clay furniture of Maarten Baas.

Ventura Lambrate in Milano 2010

2010-04-26T19:26:00.002+01:00

Ventura Lambrate in Milano 2010 from robertanderson on Vimeo.

Creative Collaborations

2010-04-24T19:32:00.002+01:00

Our Creative Collaborations exhibition in Milan was brilliant, exhausting, fun, interesting, moving, stimulating, busy, quirky, sunny, loud, subtle, bright, fast, slow and friendly.

Story Time by Atelier NL

Vanilla Rectangles by Ivan Black

The Party Popper Machine by Martin Smith

Thank you Milano

2010-04-21T22:33:00.001+01:00

The party is over and we are home from Milan.

An Invitation

2010-04-05T20:37:00.003+01:00

Storm in a Tea Cup by John Lumbus

2010-04-01T20:56:00.005+01:00

Here's one of the first images of our Storm in a Tea Cup by John Lumbus.

As Laikingland is a creative collaboration based in both the UK & Netherlands, we wanted to develop both a Royal Delft version and typical English version of John's beautifully crafted kinetic object.

No prizes for guessing which version is pictured above!

The Party Popper Machine by Martin Smith

2010-03-27T19:25:00.007Z

Here is my new kinetic object for Laikingland.

The Party Popper Machine continues my theme of devices of celebration for Laikingland. In homage to the humble plastic party toy and to follow my interest in loud bangs, I have developed a nonsense machine that elaborately assists you in the firing of party poppers.

This piece along with the 4 other new Laikingland pieces will be launched in Milan on the 14th April.

More details here.

Collaborating with John Lumbus & Royal Delft

2010-03-14T13:24:00.009Z

Our good friend John Lumbus is currently developping a Laikingland product.

He will transform this wonderful hand painted tea cup from Royal Delft, into a beautifully crafted kinetic object.

Next month, we'll show two versions of John's work at at Ventura Lambrate, Milan during the Salone del Mobile.