About

As part of London Craft Week, in conversation with Albion Nord’s Creative Director Becky Floyd, alongside shell artists Mel & Ella Campion of Campion & Daughters. The discussion explores the enduring relevance of craftsmanship and the value of collaboration in contemporary design, with a particular focus on their work on the Britannic Explorer — a project shaped by landscape, heritage and material sensitivity.
Travelling through the varied landscapes of Cornwall, Wales and the Lake District, the train provided both context and inspiration. Drawing on this journey, Mel & Ella Campion sought to create a visual nod to the heritage of shell grottos found in the great gardens of England and Wales, while capturing the shifting shoreline glimpsed from the carriage windows.
The powder rooms became the natural setting, with two large-scale mirrors forming the focal point of the scheme. Development began in early 2024, with a period of testing and refinement. Shells were carefully selected and arranged to sit seamlessly within their surface. A sensitivity to pattern and repetition was important, establishing rhythm while allowing the natural variation of each shell to remain visible.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to detail, craftsmanship, and narrative. The conversation will explore how this concept evolved into a broader design narrative, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared vision when working with specialist crafts today, where design, craft and materials combine to form a richly layered and immersive experience.