Stone and Sawyer Lamps Are Lit

What if you could turn a sculpture into a functioning object? This is the question that founders and artists Julian Peploe and David Ryan asked when embarking on their line of table-top lamps called Stone and Sawyer. They wanted to bring this artistic sense to functional objects by hand-crafting each base from wood and clay. And the result is an absolutely beautiful line of table-top lamps that are all handcrafted in Upstate New York, and draw influence from 20th-century design, as well as traditional American craft.

I first saw these wonderful pieces at ICFF, and they definitely stood out for their sleek shape and their lovely materiality. But upon further investigation, I found out the intricate artisanship that is behind the Stone & Sawyer brand and am now fully hooked!

Being artists, the craft and design are of the utmost importance for Peploe and Ryan, which is why they work with only locally sourced materials and local craftspeople who have been honing their techniques for generations. Be still my beating heart! The bases are handcrafted from stoneware clay and have a number of customizable finishes and glazes. The 100% linen shades are hand-sewn, and the brass fittings and wood details are all carefully crafted in house. No detail is left untouched, which results in the beautifully sleek designs that provide light and warmth with their lovely forms.

When the partners decided to name the company, they wanted a name that represents both material and process. “Stone” refers to the stoneware ceramic of the bodies of their homemade lamps. “Sawyer” is a nod to the hardwood used to make their wooden necks, caps, and bases, all from locally sourced wood. As it turns out, the west side of the Hudson seems to unearth some of the most down to earth artists, seeking excellence in their craft. These lamps are truly timeless, offering a grounded elegance to light any home.