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I've always loved vessels -pots- and I was lucky enough to study ceramics at Alfred University, College of Ceramics, in upstate New York. But I fell in love with metal after finishing school.

Spinning metal is as close as you can get to throwing clay, but it's done sideways.

Our new line is called Metal Pottery. It's Modern, and has been called 21st century Americana. Our forms feel somewhat familiar (American pottery of the 40-70's, Russell Wright's production work, and they're named for my favorite potters, some of whom were professors at Alfred). They are finished with wonderful, rich colors (silk or jewel tones) with great depth and yet, these are two elements that you haven't seen together before.

The material is aluminum and it's handspun - think of throwing a pot, sideways, and the motion of spinning resembles a slow rocking dance. Our shapes are so complex they can only be made one piece at a time, by hand, and by a master spinner.

The new finishes are tints that we have developed, and that's what four years of glaze chemistry can finally do for you. They're made to have the depth and multi-color look and shimmer of dupioni silk. The color radiates from all angles and light affects it so beautifully. We've been told that the color reminds people of the tumblers in the 50's, so they immediately love them. Then they really look at the color and see the difference, and it becomes new and fresh, even rich and luxurious.

To make a Metal Pot (or table lamp, pendant, candlestick, mirror, or bubble vase, all which are spun and use our new finishes) is a long process. It's all done here in Brooklyn, NY. Each piece is made using multiple chucks, as the shapes are complex. The spinning is done in many stages and of course, only one pot can be spun at a time. When the shape is complete, the initial satin finish is put on each shape. Next, the piece is cleaned (degreased) and the fine detail satin finish is laid down and the pot is re-cleaned. Then it's ready to be tinted, which requires many stages, many coats, and a very discerning eye. After days of "setting" the last step is the final assembly.

Babette Holland Design is a husband-wife partnership in design and manufacturing. Tony Brown, Babette Holland and BHD have been in business for eleven years. Their two dogs, Bella and Nanoo, (the President and Vice-President of BHD) all go to work together every day to make beautiful, functional American-made products.

New Products | Mirrors | Vases | Metal Pottery | Lighting