Francis was delighted to be invited to talk today at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour as part of the ‘Conversations in Design’ series.
Hosted by Financial Times How To Spend It, Francis and design writer Charlotte Abrahams discussed the past ten years of the studio as well as Francis’s career, growing up in Malta and then at David Gill Gallery. Francis explained his own design processes, how he approaches interior design and how he works with his clients. They also discussed how he interprets contemporary art and design. “It’s all about balance - art is supposed to be challenging - you mustn’t be afraid of it and you have to embrace it - it’s exciting!” Francis continued: “Home should be a place of comfort and refuge not an minimal art gallery. Design has to function.” He continues “I remember what Zara said to me... Always experiment and believe you are doing wonderful work.
Charlotte asked Franics about the influence of Art Deco on his work. “Jean Michael Frank is one of my most important Influences - both the way he worked and the clients he had.” Francis also made a plea for the artisan and craft skills of the UK to be supported, “quality work and apprenticeship are such important elements for interior design and they need to be supported in the UK. Furniture shouldn’t be disposable we should return to the idea that furniture should be handed from generation to generation again.” He also praised London and his continued allegiance to the UK as home to the studio.
