Looking at his extensive library one day, designer Roderick Vos realized that a scattering of small lights would showcase the books and aid readers. So he created Mr. Ed: a light bulb held in place by two vertical, book-like shapes. Equally at home on a bookshelf or bedside table, Since it is made of cast aluminum Mr. Ed has enough brute strength to act as a bookend.
This innovative studio couple works mainly in lighting, textile, accessories and furniture for international design labels such as Alessi, Cor Unum, Driade, Linteloo, Fatboy, ITEM Amsterdam, Molinari, Moooi, Pode, Polspotten and Royal Tichelaar Makkum. Each of their products is characterised by careful research and passion for technology, material and color. In 2016 they both became art directors for Dutch furniture brand Pode. Claire & Vos overlook the brand’s DNA which goes far beyond just putting the collection together. They choose forms which will maintain their appeal and allure moving forward. They weigh up a number of different matters like innovation, commercial viability, identity, and above all intuition; every model is born out of the needs and opportunities that these factors present.
an incandescent design
Although Mr. Ed can use any 40 Watt bulb, Vos prefers an incandescent bulb for its warm glow. In fact, Vos named Mr. Ed after the inventor of the incandescent, Thomas Alva Edison.
roughed up
Mr. Ed’s rough texture resembles wrought iron, but the lamp is actually specially treated aluminum. The simple form of Mr. Ed belies its complexity. First, we pour molten aluminum into a mold. Where most molds open at just two points, Mr. Ed emerges from molds that must be opened at multiple points. When the mold cools, we pry it open and go to work – meticulously sanding and then powder-coating Mr. Ed until it achieves its distinctive look and feel.
