Magpie Art Collective
Often seen as unwanted scavengers due to a particular fondness for ‘collecting’ things, Magpies are notorious for their love of bright shiny objects, added to the nest in the hopes of attracting a mate. A different kind of Magpie allows you to furnish your nest with found objects, attracting comments from visitors as their gaze alights onto these colourful Regency-inspired chandeliers dripping with quirky charm. The chandeliers are from South African based company Magpie Art Collective who collect unwanted objects, turning them into magical innovative lighting ranges.

Finding the beauty in discarded rubbish, the one-of-a-kind creations are handcrafted using reclaimed trinkets and other found objects including bits of mirrors, toys, charms, copper wire, glass bottles, mosaic pieces and beads all woven into a collection of ornate chandeliers, wreaths and pendants. A socially conscious business working from a studio based in Barrydale, in the Western Cape region, Magpie Art Collective was founded in 1998 by designer, Scott B. Hart and social entrepreneur and Ashoka Fellow, Shane A. Petzer; who were later joined by Richard Panaino and fine artist and painter, Sean Daniel in 2006. Together the four members have sought to link design with their social entrepreneurial philosophy and in doing so work towards bettering the community they are part of. The commitment to social responsibility sees Magpie support income-generating projects through the Rooi Doppies Project, the framework the partners established to deliver such initiatives as; training some of the local crafters who now manufacture the various Magpie collections and the organisation of a basic recycling scheme within the Barrydale community that not only assists the collective with gathering reusable materials such as tin and plastics which can then be incorporated into the designs but also serves as a platform to educate on the need for environmental responsibility.

Magpie Art Collective’s products are bespoke creations created from scratch, however the company does rework old and existing chandeliers to suit client requirements. Giving the chandeliers a seal of approval two chandeliers currently hang in the White House, in Washington DC chosen by Michelle Obama for her daughters’ bedrooms – must be the magical playful feeling that surrounds them. I rather like the flamboyant Red Feathered Showgirl creation; looks like cascading tiers of rose petals, perfect for a delicately furnished boudoir.

…striking centrepieces that bring a touch of whimsy into the interior