Astrology, Mythology + Folklore Merge in the Alchemist Collection

Inspired by the ancient art of alchemy, as read in Paolo Coelho’s The Alchemist, Lee Broom set off to design a lighting collection focused on the balance and interconnected nature of sculptural metal lighting. Driven by his own observations of spiritual and mystical significance, the Alchemist lighting collection delves into exploring physical ideas around the craft as well as themes of astrology, mythology, and folklore. Each luminaire investigates how this whimsical lore still exists within our daily lives and the objects that surround us.

Broom admits that he primarily designs from a place of emotion, with an emphasis on how everything is connected physically and spiritually. “It occurred to me that we designers and artists are also alchemists, physically creating something from nothing that has function, beauty, and purpose. These stories from mythology and folklore are rich with drama and intrigue. They are metaphors for life,” he says in an exclusive interview with Design Milk.

Alchemist includes four lighting ranges – Mythos, King, Solstice, and Gemini – that include pendant lights, chandeliers, and wall sconces. Using traditional welded brass as the base metal, the fixtures are combined with glass, acrylic, and leather in their final forms.

The lighting collection will be Broom’s first to debut in the United States on May 16th during NYCxDESIGN in New York City. Broom shares, “I designed this new collection in New York, so it felt right to launch it here.”

“I have always designed from a place of emotion foremost, and this was something I really wanted to tap into with the collection, as well as keeping within a classic Lee Broom narrative and style,” he discloses. “For me, the piece that emphasizes this quality the most is Mythos. It is complex in its construction, and [it is] almost impossible to determine how it is made with its floating illuminated orb and suspended leather strap. But there is a simplicity and beauty to the piece as well as being playful and joyous.”

Multiple references, including the Greek mythological tale of Prometheus bound to his chains and The Golden Chain of Homer, went into creating Mythos. These, along with jewelry aging to antiquity, inspired the linked lighting connections. The brass pendant uses one or two interconnected links to hold a glass orb suspended from a hand-stitched leather strap sling.

Hang as a single pendant or in clusters to add drama, or opt for the wall sconce counterpart that consists of a single link holding an orb. Mythos is available in satin brass and blackened brass, a new finish for Broom.

During the design process for his King chandelier, Broom drew inspiration from the King of Salem character in The Alchemist and the legend of King Arthur. King has a real presence – note the crown-like shape – formed of individual metal leaves that have been folded, tapered, and brushed by hand. The process creates multiple tiered rings, each concealing an illuminated glow that reflects off the leaves, casting shadows and light.

Some products are easier than others to design, admits Broom, and King falls into the “other” group. “I created many different versions of the initial design; I wanted a piece that referenced brutalist sculpture with medieval characteristics. Once we had created our initial prototype, the piece went through so many developments right up until the final moment, which is not our usual way of working. It was more akin to creating an artwork.”

Choose from two sizes: a 90cm (35.5 inches) diameter and a 1.2m (47.25 inches) diameter fixture.

Solstice references Stonehenge and the spiritual rituals that occur there around the summer and winter solstices. The opaque glass globe is a stand-in for the sun while the square brass frame that encases the globe alludes to actual stone forms.

Designed as a single pendant, two or three can be joined together to create a veritable tower of light. A thoughtful detail – like the sun, Solstice can be rotated. The fixture is finished in either a classic brushed brass or blackened hue. A surface-mounted sconce is also part of the family.

Broom shares with us that Gemini is the first product he designed in the Alchemist lighting collection, and the one that feels the most true to the brand. “Often my initial designs go through numerous iterations to get to a point I am satisfied with; however, with Gemini I was happy with the very first design.”

As you may guess, Gemini explores the astrological sign of the twins Castor and Pollux, as well as the crucibles and flasks used in alchemical workshops. Two halves of a capsule-like shape are connected asymmetrically to form one fixture that can be hung horizontally or vertically. The shift in form reveals an unexpected brushed brass facia.

Gemini’s design appeal is in its off-kilter balance and simplicity, combining art deco and modernism. Hang Gemini alone or as a group, using both orientations to create your own constellation.

To learn more about the Alchemist lighting collection, visit leebroom.com.

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