If you've ever wondered how artist and designers start researching a new subject to draw then here Jac Scott reveals some initial steps in drawing with ink.

Inspired by the mesmerising flocks of Canada geese flying in the vast Norfolk skies she starts studying the birds and collecting some photos for detailed referencing. Then the first sketches emerge.

Flying in Black & White from Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery on Vimeo.

Where will you put our new KNOT pendant light?

Utopia's KNOT light brings a contemporary 'loft living' vibe with nuances of the nautical and the industrial. We love the the mix of materials and simple lines of this design, making it an easy fit for most stylish homes - where will you put your KNOT?  It has been created from a waxed, wooden ceiling rose and lamp holder with a giant knot of chunky jute rope cable. 

The extra attraction of this pendant light is that they are all made to order. This means you can specify the length of the cable and how many knots you'd like plus how many drops. 

Prices start at £90 for a single KNOT.

This light looks fabulous with the modern retro-style LED filament that provides a great light at low cost, without any heat build up. 

Raw Collection

The Raw Collection captures an elemental grandeur for interiors wherein the essence of beautiful materials is celebrated in the raw. The main inspiration for this stylish contemporary collection is the four natural elements: fire, air, earth and water.  Through harnessing the juxtaposed energies of: metal, wood and stone a natural dynamic in design evolves.

Turning green...naturally.

We have always loved green at Utopia and this month we seem to be bathed in it! Our passion for verdigris also shows no abating with the creation of both new lights and lamps. So, if you love it too, then do keep a watch out on the website and in the gallery for more to come.

What is verdigris? Here’s some basic chemistry. Natural verdigris is the term used for a bluish green patina that appears as a crustation on copper, brass and bronze that has been weathered over time from the exposure to air or seawater (atmospheric oxidisation). A hastened finish can be achieved through the application of acetic acid to the metal, although this never looks the same as it lacks the natural depth and range of greens and blues that natural oxidisation achieves.