Celebrity Light Fare

-- Interior Design, 1/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

What do David Bowie, Madonna, and Claudia Schiffer have in common? They all own original work by Paul Verburg, the London-based lighting and furniture designer. Creating distinctive lighting products for distinguished clients is nothing new for Verburg, who has styled table and pendant lights, chandeliers, wall sconces, illuminated tables and chairs as well as light screens (space dividers) for many hotels and residences in Europe, the United States, and Japan. He has even been known to construct light rugs or what he refers to as illuminated floors. "The emphasis of my design is concerned with the lighting of space using indirect, indiscernible, or sculptural light sources, and animating traditionally static, inactive, decorative objects," he says.

It all began back in 1990 when Verburg exhibited furniture, lamps, and mirror frames at the David Gill Gallery in London. He then expanded to galleries in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Milan. He started his own bronze casting foundry and began designing for Moschino and London designer David Collins as well as a group of private clients. Verburg's projects include pendant lights for numerous Valentino shops in Japan, Moscow, and the United States; pendant lights, display counters, and cabinets in Vivienne Westwood's in-house store at Harvey Nichols London; and table lamps and standard lights for London's Oak Room at the Meridian Hotel and lamps for The Criterion hotel.

Recently, Verburg changed directions and is fashioning something new-hanging fixtures with a Calder-like flair. The mobiles, originally designed in black, can be made in any color (including white) or with transparent cups with arms coated in plastic. A four-arm version is also available. (David Bowie bought the first one, which is now the focal point of his London entrance hall.) In addition to designing, Verburg's book, Making Light, will be published in the beginning of 2002. Paul Verburg, 9 Cardinal Mansions, Carlisle Place, London SW1P 1EY. lights@paulverburg.com.

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