Reimagining the past: A panel discussion with Vaughan
At 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.

What's the secret of a timeless, long-lived interior?
Vaughan reader event: The details
- When: Tuesday, September 16 from 10:30am-11:15am
- Where: Vaughan, G6 Ground Floor, Design Centre East, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE (map here)
- Admission: Free entry, with seats on a first-come, first-served basis
In this thought-provoking discussion, Max Rollitt, Tess Newall and her husband, Alfred Newall, as well as Beth Blakeman-Shead of Vaughan, will share the secret of timelessness and resilience in design today.
Many of Britain’s most beautiful interiors date back centuries. What do we have to learn from the past about creating longevity?
With a growing focus on creating sustainable interiors that will stand the test of time, it’s becoming clear that craft, carefully considered design and high-quality materials are more important than ever before.
How do both professionals and non-professionals address the challenge? And how does one combine the best of old and new? With backgrounds in antiques, craft, restoration and interiors, the panel will offer unique perspectives on the subject.
Visit www.vaughandesigns.com
The expert panel
Beth Blakeman-Shead (left), Alfred and Tess Newall (centre) and Max Rollitt (right).
Beth Blakeman-Shead is an artist who is also the chief executive officer of Vaughan, the eminent British lighting brand that is hosting this event.
Alfred Newall trained at the Building Crafts College in London before working for Plain English Design, later setting up his own practice in London and East Sussex where he uses sustainably sourced wood and traditional processes.
Tess Newall is a decorative artist who undertakes projects in the UK and the US and also has her own collection of furniture and wallpaper.
Max Rollitt is one of Britain’s leading interior designers and antique dealers with a background in both cabinet making, furniture design and restoration.
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