Q&A with Collier Webb's Managing Director, Danielle Collier

About Collier Webb

A third-generation British family business since 1977, Collier Webb are designers and makers of lighting, furniture and hardware for the world’s most beautiful interior spaces. Combining traditional and cutting-edge techniques, Collier Webb’s in-house designers work closely with their talented craftspeople to produce one-of-a-kind pieces, each handcrafted at their East Sussex Foundry and Workshops for various residential and commercial projects. Collier Webb are part of The Edward Alexander Group, further enhancing their commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and design excellence.

About Danielle Collier

Danielle Collier, the Managing Director and third generation of Collier Webb, has had a remarkable career spanning over a decade. Growing up surrounded by Collier Webb’s manufacturing environment, she developed a deep appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship that defines the brand.

She has been pivotal in upholding Collier Webb’s renowned craftsmanship standards and spearheading its growth. Danielle’s dedication has advanced the company’s mission to champion British craft on a global scale, establishing her as a prominent and influential female leader in the industry.

Craftsmanship is at the core of Collier Webb’s identity. Can you share some insight into the processes behind your pieces?

Absolutely! Craftsmanship is at the heart of Collier Webb – it’s who we are. Every piece starts as an idea and is carefully brought to life by hand in our Sussex workshops, where time-honoured techniques meet just the right touch of innovation. From lost-wax casting to intricate metal finishing, our artisans pour their expertise (and a lot of patience!) into every detail. Because we make everything in-house, we have complete control over quality, ensuring each piece isn’t just beautiful but made to stand the test of time.

No two are ever identical – each one carries the unique mark of the maker’s hand, which, to me, is what makes true craftsmanship so special. You can see this attention to detail firsthand in our flagship showroom in Pimlico Road or our newly opened showroom in New York, where our designs come to life in beautifully curated spaces.

How did Collier Webb come to be?

Collier Webb was founded by my grandfather, Cedric Collier, whose expertise in fine metalwork and dedication to British craft set the foundation for everything we do today. Over the decades, we have refined our processes, combining heritage techniques with modern advancements to ensure our work not only honours the past but also serves the needs of contemporary design. While our tools and technologies have evolved, our philosophy remains the same: to create exceptional pieces that stand the test of time.

What does it mean to you to carry forward a family legacy in design and craftsmanship?

It’s an honour and a responsibility. British craft is something to be nurtured, and ensuring that these skills continue to thrive is at the heart of our work. Every piece we create reflects the knowledge passed down through generations, not just within our family but across our entire team. Our makers are true specialists in their fields, and I see our roles as one of both custodians and innovators – preserving traditional techniques while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in design.

Do you have any advice for clients when purchasing bespoke, made-to-order lighting?

One of the joys of bespoke design is that every piece is unique. We don’t hold stock – every light is made to order, allowing for complete personalisation. We encourage clients to think about their space holistically – scale, finish, and light output all play a role in achieving the right balance. Because our pieces are handcrafted, each one carries subtle variations that add to its character. It’s not about perfection in the machine-made sense, but rather the refinement of something beautifully made by hand.

When using traditional methods like lost wax or sand casting, what should clients keep in mind?

One of the defining qualities of these traditional methods is that no two casts are ever exactly the same. That’s the beauty of true craftsmanship, you can immediately see and feel the difference between something handcrafted and something mass-produced. In today’s world, there are so many designs made with low-cost materials that look perfect at first but deteriorate quickly.

We take a very different approach, ensuring that everything we make is built to last for generations. We often remind clients that their piece will develop a patina over time, becoming even richer and more beautiful as it ages. That’s the mark of something truly well-made.