J. Adams & Co: Lighting Designed In London By A Business With A Bright Future

12 months ago

J. Adams & Co is a Great British Brand 2024

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J. Adams & Co: Lighting Designed In London By A Business With A Bright Future

J. Adams & Co is an entry in our Great British Brands 2024 book.

J. Adams & Co: Great British Brand 2024

J. Adams & Co Porto Mini Satin Nickel table light

The brand’s lighting designs are elegant, timeless and expertly crafted. (Porto Mini Satin Nickel (Ben Anders x Laura Fulmine))

‘We set out to bring British design and craftsmanship to the fore in creating lighting objects and installations to be treasured and celebrated – counter to the throwaway culture of our times. We were set up in 2015 as a sister brand to an established industrial company based in Birmingham, initially to produce outside lighting and sell direct to the public. We’ve since produced 15 collections, introducing a consistent visual language. But the rich heritage of our Birmingham factory is the foundation of everything, and storytelling is vital to communicating our values.

Britishness is a huge part of our story. Our products are designed by us and made by hand in the UK, and this is a badge of quality that resonates. Interior designers and architects, who make up 90 percent of our business, know that we do pretty much everything in-house, and can cater for modifications and bespoke editions. They appreciate the direct relationship they have with us, the flexibility and shorter lead times.

Strata Pendant Bronze (Ben Anders x Laura Fulmine)

We emphasise the human element throughout both design and manufacturing. Our team brings a wealth of experience, a deep passion for their craft and creative authenticity to our products. In combination with old-school handmaking and metal-finishing techniques, we utilise cutting edge technologies (like CNC machining and laser cutting), which help us push the boundaries. Using these processes in harmony, we can create unique luminaires that still retain a human “warmth” through their design, materiality and craft.

AI is fast becoming more prevalent in our day-to-day lives and for certain tasks. It is a tool that can be harnessed and used to help us work more efficiently. However, as a result, we believe that the value placed on authentic human creativity and craft will only increase – these qualities are integral to our brand and we’re passionate about keeping them alive.’

Will Earl, Director

Birmingham Metalworks, Luna Collection

Five Proudest Moments

Launching the Flume collection in 2019, which quickly became our most successful product.
Achieving UL certification in 2020, an electrical standard that opens up new markets to us including, crucially, the US where we are steadily building a network.
Moving into our first showroom in January 2021, and we will be moving into a bigger space in February 2024.
Introducing our very first luxury portable light in 2022. We have since continued to expand that collection.
Our debut at Euroluce in 2023, where we exhibited alongside top brands sooner than expected. We also had really good feedback at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.

Flume Collection (Ben Anders x Laura Fulmine)

What I’ve Learnt…

Build a team that shares a vision, then things become second nature.
Every aspect of our brand should reflect our core values of considered design, exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability.
Communication is key. A great deal of work, passion and skill goes into every product, from design to manufacturing, and sharing this story is hugely important to us.