Willowlamp at Cape Town Furniture Week

Designed by @adamhoets for @southernguildgallery. Brass, copper, and smoke ball chain artfully suspended from stainless steel frames, featuring over a hundred twinkling LED suspended lamps.

With Cape Town Furniture Week just around the corner, we are thrilled to see Willowlamp taking part in such a prestigious event. The Factory Tour that Willowlamp will be hosting is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the magic behind their craft to the design community. We had the pleasure of chatting with Adam, who shared insights into the brand’s vision and the incredible work Willowlamp continues to create. Below, Adam Hoets provides us with valuable insights into the artistry and innovation behind Willowlamp’s work.

1.Willowlamp has an incredible reputation for its craftsmanship and creativity. Can you share what inspired you to start Willowlamp and how the brand has evolved over the years?

Willowlamp’s journey began with a simple yet ingenious idea: creating lampshade curtains using ball chains, which were fixed to laser-cut frames via a tiny patented notch. The early designs were minimalistic, influenced by the novel idea and a Scandinavian aesthetic. However, it quickly became clear that what captivated people most were the intricate, sculptural chandelier designs. Over time, Willowlamp expanded its creations, moving from art-worthy chandeliers to large-scale centrepieces, and eventually to “ceilinscapes”—art installations that cover entire ceilings with geometric architectural landscapes.

Adam Hoets

2. Your Factory Tours offer a rare glimpse into the magic behind your designs. What can visitors expect from this immersive experience, and what makes it so special?

Visitors to the Willowlamp Factory Tour will discover a beautifully run, well-organized design atelier where the magic behind the lights comes to life. The tour provides a chance to gain insight into the meticulous production process, offering a look at the well-oiled machine that powers the brand’s creativity. Visitors will also uncover the amazing possibilities within Willowlamp’s work, showcasing elements that are not immediately apparent.

3. How do you approach the design and production process? What role does innovation play in Willowlamp’s work?

Willowlamp’s design and production processes are highly integrated, operating seamlessly together. The design process reflects the capabilities of their production, ensuring that both elements are in perfect harmony. Despite remaining a relatively small company, Willowlamp is able to produce highly innovative designs due to their agility and adaptability. They have the freedom to innovate new solutions and processes for each unique project, avoiding the constraints of rigid, established methods.

4. What trends in lighting design are currently exciting you, and how does Willowlamp continue to push boundaries in this area?

Adam notes that he is not particularly interested in trends. For him, the focus is on creating timeless work that will endure. He views timeless design as the ultimate test of sustainability, which aligns with Willowlamp’s approach to lighting design. The brand’s goal is to create pieces that remain relevant far beyond passing trends.

5. Willowlamp pieces have become iconic in their own right. How do you ensure that each creation is unique while still maintaining the brand’s signature style?

Despite their varied forms, Willowlamp’s creations all share the same core concept and materials. This unifying thread gives the brand its cohesive identity. While the use of specific materials is integral to their brand’s integrity, this limitation also offers infinite room for creativity within those confines. The challenge lies in maintaining purity and consistency in the brand’s approach while continuing to create fresh, unique pieces.

6. Cape Town is a city known for its creativity. How has the local design scene influenced Willowlamp’s evolution, and how do you draw inspiration from it?

While Cape Town is a creative hub, it was Johannesburg where Willowlamp’s journey began. Adam shares that while he admires other creative individuals, his inspiration comes from within. For him, true creativity can only be achieved by shutting out external influences and drawing from deep personal insights. The more he disconnects from outside sources, the more he taps into his truest form of inspiration.

7. For anyone new to the world of lighting design, what would you suggest as key considerations when choosing a statement light fixture for a space?

Adam emphasizes the importance of decorative feature lighting in transforming a space. Often, architects and designers focus so much on making sure light sources are hidden that they forget how lighting can bring life, movement, and drama to a space. Willowlamp encourages designers to use lighting as a tool to create atmosphere and energy, which can elevate an ordinary space into something extraordinary.

8. Are there any exciting projects or collaborations in the pipeline for Willowlamp that you can share with us?

While Adam mentions there are always exciting projects in the works, he remains tight-lipped about specific details. He teases, however, that there’s always something interesting on the horizon, and encourages everyone to “watch this space” for future developments.

Lucerne Restaurant – Switzerland. Featuring the LOWER of LIFE, FARAWAY TREE, FUSCHIA, and NGOMA DRUM chandeliers from the collection.

9. What do you hope visitors will take away from their experience at the Willowlamp Factory Tour during Cape Town Furniture Week?

Adam hopes visitors will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a business around beautiful bespoke design. He also wants to showcase some of the amazing things Willowlamp has to offer that visitors may not be aware of, giving them a unique and insightful perspective on the brand’s craft and innovation.

10.   Looking ahead, how do you see lighting design evolving in the next few years, and how does Willowlamp plan to stay at the forefront of this change?

Adam refrains from commenting on trends, but he envisions Willowlamp’s future moving more towards large-scale, custom one-off designs and art installations. With the collection of lighting designs largely complete, Willowlamp’s focus will be on pushing boundaries with bespoke, show-stopping creations that continue to redefine the art of lighting design.

We look forward to seeing Willowlamp’s continued evolution and the magic that will unfold during Cape Town Furniture Week!