With her specialist knowledge of designs to collect for the future, Corinne has carefully selected an exclusive medley of contemporary designs to feature at the show, and will also be imparting some of her precious knowledge as part of the Decorex Seminar programme.

We catch up with Corinne ahead of the show to find out more about her passions, career, and opinions on the heritage designs of our future.

What first drew you into the world of contemporary craft and design? 

I grew up with contemporary design as my parents were design innovators. They ran the pioneering furniture design company Hille Furniture. The first to employ Robin Day, (who designed nearly all his furniture for them,) they encouraged a number of designers including Fred Scott, and introduced Charles & Ray Eames to the UK. In terms of craft I discovered contemporary craft as a teenager, through my interest in contemporary jewellery.

Who or what would you say is your biggest inspiration? 

The many talented makers, whom I have been lucky enough to meet.

If you could describe your work in 3 words, what would they be?

Disseminating design/craft information 

As an established industry expert, could you tell us about the ethos behind your work?

I look hard and ask lots of questions. I try to understand the ideas that underlie each designer’s work and learn about the techniques and processes that they use. I try to discuss developments with makers and keep track of their achievements.

Could you tell us a little about your plans for the Future Heritage area at Decorex 2014?

Future Heritage will show work by an extremely talented, very diverse group of designer/makers working in ceramic, metal, textile, wood and plastic. They all create one-offs, but also work to commission. All the people I have selected make beautiful, interesting, intelligent pieces and push the boundaries of techniques and making. All have strong ideas underlying their work and are some of the best in their field worldwide.  Future Heritage has something for all kinds of taste, even for people convinced that they don’t like contemporary work.

Makers and designers will be on hand to explain their work and to talk about how they work to commission. We will also have mini ’booth’ talks by individual makers on the stand. ‘Future Heritage’ is not a gallery; it’s a personal choice. Individual works can be bought, but the idea is to show visitors people whom they might consider commissioning for their own projects. 

If you could sum Decorex up in 20 words what would they be?

Quality and thoughtfulness- a place to discover and be a bit surprised.

What does the future hold for you? Are there any new projects on the horizon? 

More curation on both a smaller and a larger scale, and acting as an advisor to would- be collectors and commissioners.

As a renowned figure within the industry, what would your advice be for aspiring collectors?

Look hard. Ask lots of questions, visit shows, do your research, but only ever buy because you really like something, not just because you think it will make you money. It can, but loving what you have is the first priority.

All of the artists featured above will be joining Corinne for our Future Heritage feature.