Presented by
Reimagining the past at Vaughan
In September 2025, leading designers shared their views on creating interiors with the capacity to last forever.
Vaughan’s showroom at the Design Centre was the setting for a panel discussion at which its CEO Beth Blakeman-Shead was joined by decorative artist Tess Newall, furniture maker Alfred Newall and interior designer and antique dealer Max Rollitt.
Hosted by Country Life’s Giles Kime, the discussion explored the lessons from the past that inform our understanding of the techniques, materials and design required to stand the test of time.
Beth Blakeman-Shead, CEO of Vaughan.
Other subjects included the importance of creating designs driven less by trends and more by proportions that will endure.
The event took place during Focus/25, at which Vaughan launched new lighting designs celebrating its commitment to craft, timeless design and materials with a potential to last for generations.
To contact Vaughan, please visit vaughandesigns.com or telephone 020–7349 4600
Victoria Wren and Carys Lowry-Carter.
Secrets of timelessness at Vaughan's panel event
Craft
Vaughan’s team has been designing and making high-quality lighting, furniture and textiles for almost half a century
Engineering
However beautiful, lighting must be engineered to function perfectly
Materials
Traditional materials such as brass, bronze and marble not only perform beautifully, but have a capacity to improve with time
Design
Whether classic or contemporary, simple design has the potential for longevity
Look to the past
Traditional techniques and craft provide inspiration for the future
To contact Vaughan, please visit vaughandesigns.com or telephone 020–7349 4600
-
Treehouses are 'catnip for the incurable romantic' — and these two on the market are as good as it getsNottinghamshire versus the Dordogne isn't a debate we ever thought we'd need to have — but that's where we are today with these two gorgeous properties for sale boasting magnificent treehouses.
-
How an unsuspecting couple found £11,000 worth of cat paintings in a skipTwo works by 19th-century artist Louis Wain are heading for auction, after being rescued by a couple in South Wales who had no idea of their value.
-
Art underfoot: How Artorius Faber brought to life the stone floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower ShowGeorge Saumarez Smith’s design for the floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been brought to life by Artorius Faber.
-
The best of British: How home-grown stone will be one of the stars on the Country Life stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowCountry Life's stand at RHS Chelsea will celebrate the beauty of Artorius Faber’s home-grown stone.
-
The art of the hand: George Saumarez Smith's design for Country Life at ChelseaGeorge Saumarez Smith will demonstrate the power of pen and pencil when Country Life unveils his hand-drawn design for its stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
-
Reader event report: An eye to the future at DaylesfordThe magnificent Heritage Barn at Daylesford in the Cotswolds was the setting for an event at which five specialists with a deep understanding of country properties shared their expertise.
-
Reader Event: An eye to the future at Daylesford Heritage HouseWhat changes to a house do most to enhance its aesthetics, function, comfort, sustainability and longevity? On March 24, leading experts in architecture, interior design, craft and restoration will share the secrets to maximising possibilities and protecting value at Daylesford’s magnificent Heritage House in Gloucestershire.
-
Reader Event: Super women at London Design WeekWhat can be learnt from the achievements of the world’s greatest female designers and antique dealers? Which has created the most valuable legacy? What are the secrets of their success? Come and find out at an inspiring event on the first day of London Design Week at 10.30am on Monday, March 9, at the London showroom of luxury lighting brand Hector Finch.
-
Tetrad: Over half a century of timeless good looksSince 1968, Tetrad has employed a combination of traditional skills and the finest materials to make upholstered furniture that is designed to offer years of comfort.
-
Reimagining the past: A panel discussion with VaughanAt Focus/25 later this month, Vaughan will host an inspiring talk at which leading names in antiques and interiors will explain why understanding the past is vital to designing for the future.
