Refractory
Founded by Angie West from Texas and Alberto Vélez from Bogotá, the studio embraces a fascination with materiality, a deep respect for craft as an integral aspect of design, and an obligation to participate in the shepherding of American making. Based upon a sense that there are stories as-yet untold in design, the work is both provocative and exploratory. The studio conceives, produces, and purveys rigorously crafted works in a language distinct from American and contemporary design landscapes. Layering traditional methods with modern tools, Refractory is both an evolution and an extension of a community of artisans who seek to create in a space where art meets collectible design.
THE BRAND
Refractory is a furniture, lighting and objects brand and design studio based in Chicago.
Refractory
The Promontory Standing Lamp, designed by Refractory, is a sculptural light in which two unusually asymmetrical halves lean into one another, echoing the way in which layers of armor must flex in order to move with the wearer.
Refractory
The Heretofore Sconce, designed by Refractory, is a substantial trough of cast bronze with a hand chiseled texture in its interior, rubbed back to reveal an intricate web of natural bronze highlights. An inverted cast bronze vessel floats in the center casting indirect light off of the textured trough.
Refractory
The Promontory Sconce, designed by Refractory, is a cast bronze cuff that illuminates two hand-polished cast glass lenses.
Refractory
The Promontory Sconce, designed by Refractory, is a cast bronze cuff that illuminates two hand-polished cast glass lenses.
Refractory
The Heretofore Hanging Light, designed by Refractory, is an inverted cast bronze trough with a hand-chiseled textured surface on its interior, A soft Indirect light is cast downwards from concealed LED strips along its sides.
Refractory
The Isthmus Pendant, designed by Refractory. The hand-polished cast glass components of the Isthmus Hanging Light are held by an asymmetric bronze structure from above. No angles are the same, as the lenses distort the cast bronze shagreen texture in between.
Refractory
The Isthmus Chandelier, designed by Refractory, arranged in a linear sequence of five pendants. The orientation of each pendant can be rotated as preferred. The rectangular ceiling canopy can be finished to match fixture or ceiling. Number of pendant units and drop heights can be individually customizable upon request.
Refractory
The Promontory Drink Table, designed by Refractory, is a stylish and functional piece of furniture. The table features a cast bronze cuff base in a cinder finish, which gives it a bold and industrial look. The base is designed to resemble a cuff or bracelet, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design.
Refractory
The Tributary Occasional Table, designed by Refractory, is an exploration of these planes, channels, and primary and secondary surfaces. The cast bronze frame and lower surface together support the wooden top.
Refractory
The Tributary sofa table, designed by Refractory. It features a sleek and modern design, with a base made of cast bronze in a natural finish. The natural finish allows the beauty and texture of the bronze to shine through, creating a warm and inviting look.
Refractory
The Tributary Side Table | 2 is a piece of furniture designed by Refractory. It features a top made of wood in a matchstick oak finish, which gives it a warm and natural look. The base of the table is made of cast bronze and has a natural finish, which adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the overall design.
Refractory
The Tributary Side Table | 3 is a piece of furniture designed by Refractory. It features a top made of wood in a nocturne oak finish, which gives it a warm and natural look. The base of the table is made of cast bronze and has a jet black finish, which adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the overall design.
Refractory
The Tallow Spot Table, designed by Refractory, which serves as an Spot table. The table is made of cast bronze and has a otter finish, giving it a unique and rustic appearance. The design of the table is inspired by the shape of tallow candles.
Refractory
The Tallow Occasional Table, designed by Refractory, which serves as an occasional table. The table is made of cast bronze and has a natural finish, giving it a unique and rustic appearance. The design of the table is inspired by the shape of tallow candles.
Refractory
The Tallow Drink Table, designed by Refractory, which serves as an occasional table. The table is made of cast bronze and has a natural finish, giving it a unique and rustic appearance. The design of the table is inspired by the shape of tallow candles.
Refractory
The Tributary Occasional Table, designed by Refractory, is an exploration of these planes, channels, and primary and secondary surfaces. The cast bronze frame and lower surface together support hand-polished kiln cast glass.
