Lex Pott

Lex Pott - designer

Lex Pott (1985) graduated laude from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2009 and mainly works with 'pure' materials such as wood, stone and metal, where he wants to 'go back to the essence' with his designs, as he puts it himself. If his name doesn't immediately ring a bell, you have probably come across his work: he has become widely known for his colored candles. His designs can be found at brands such as HAY, Normann Copenhagen, Artemide and Studio Skarv. For IKONIC, Lex designed three special wooden objects that carry his minimalist visual language in its purest form. 
Lex works from his studio in Rotterdam.

Lex Pott is one of the leading Dutch designers of his generation. Since graduating from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2009, he has been working from his studio in Rotterdam on furniture, objects and accessories that are recognized worldwide for their raw simplicity and innovative use of materials. But who exactly is Lex Pott? Which designs made him famous, what philosophy lies behind his work and why are his candles and candlesticks extremely popular with design lovers? In this comprehensive article, we'll answer all the frequently asked questions about Lex Pott, dive deep into his style and inspirations, analyze his design philosophy, and present an overview of his best-known products. In addition, we compare him with other Dutch designers, discuss his social influence and provide practical information for enthusiasts and collectors.

Who is Lex Pott and what is he known for?

Lex Pott, born on June 18, 1985 in Hilversum, is an influential designer known for his pure and honest approach to materials such as wood, stone, metal and wax. After graduating laude from the Design Academy Eindhoven, department of Man and Living, he immediately started his own design studio in Rotterdam. This is where his signature style grew: designs that return to the basics of the material, without frills or hidden layers. Pott is praised for his intuitive, raw working method and his focus on the essence of the material. As a result, he quickly became a fixture in the (inter)national design world. His open attitude towards experimentation and material research has earned him prestigious awards, such as the No. 1 Design Talent of the Netherlands according to de Volkskrant (2015), the Young Talent Pin (2014), various nominations for design awards and collaborations with leading brands such as HAY, &Tradition, Weltevree and Gelderland. His work can be seen at fairs and exhibitions worldwide and he has acted as a guest lecturer and advisor in the Dutch design field.

Famous designs and collaborations

Lex Pott's oeuvre is extensive, ranging from furniture to home accessories, outdoor objects and jewellery. His most famous designs are:

• Pillar Candle (HAY): These colorful, twisted candles have their origins in an experiment with melting wax in the summer sun. With up to 100,000 copies sold, they are now recognizable worldwide. The way Pott uses the melting moment as part of the design makes these candles unique.
• True Colours vase (&Tradition): Vase collection made up of different metals. By polishing parts and allowing others to oxidize, a special colour palette is created, without paint – only natural processes.
• 7845 Ori Coffee Table (Gelderland): Inspired by the Japanese origami folding art, essentially minimalist and innovative in construction.
• Solid Cars (IKONIC): In these minimalist toy cars made of solid oak, all frills and details have been omitted, until only the car remains as a sculpture. The cars previously appeared under the Maison Deux label.
• Poplars (Weltevree): Minimalist, contemporary wooden clogs with a nod to the Dutch tradition. In addition to their sculptural form, they are functional for everyday use.
• Cutting Board(Weltevree): A serving board with soft, round shapes and a striking tubular hole, which adds both aesthetics and extra functionality.
• Rabat Shelving (Weltevree): Modular cabinet system inspired by Swedish rebate parts, which together form an innovative shelf support.
• Crown Jewels/Ring: Jewellery made from real euro coins, with which Pott makes a playful statement about value and appreciation in design.

Pott also collaborates with labels such as Elho, Puik Design, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (for exclusive candles), museums and numerous design fairs. Even artists like Elton John have been commissioners. His designs appear both as unique gallery objects and in affordable, large-scale produced versions.

What makes the Lex Pott candles and candlesticks so special?

The Lex Pott candles, especially the well-known twisted and stacked versions, are more than functional light sources; They are objects with sculptural value. Pott brings the candle material back to its essence and makes melting, twisting and bending a visible part of the design. With his popular Pillar Candles, the production process is inextricably linked to the final shape: with a kind of 'sausage machine', he finds exactly the point at which the wax is malleable and the candle can be ingeniously twisted without breaking. Each one is therefore unique. This design philosophy makes Lex Pott candles loved by collectors and design enthusiasts worldwide. In collaboration with HAY, he reached a large audience. He regularly designs limited editions for museums and brands, which become sought-after collector's items. With its striking colour palette and playful use of shapes, its candles combine international design with craft and experimentation.

Lex Pott's style as a designer

Lex Pott's style is often described as minimalist, honest, intuitive and sensory. His designs exude a raw simplicity, in which every detail is subordinate to emphasizing the pure materiality. He rarely uses paint: colours arise from natural processes such as oxidation and patination. He draws inspiration from chemical reactions, natural structures and traditional craftsmanship; His products show traces of handicraft, use, wear and tear and time. Objects such as the True Colours vase and the Poplars clogs are striking examples of this; They show the individuality of the material and combine functionality with sculptural art. Pott consistently cuts away all unnecessary frills. His style is influential in today's design world and inspires a new generation to focus on transparency and sustainability.

What inspires Lex Pott when he designs?

Lex Pott draws his inspiration from everyday life, nature, architecture and traditions, but also from routine actions. By constantly looking at everyday forms and materials and asking himself questions about their essence, he discovers unexpected possibilities and beauty. His creativity is fueled by experimentation: he combines different materials, tests borderline cases of techniques and observes how materials behave under the influence of time and conditions – for example, oxidation of metal or melting of candle wax. In addition, Pott cites other designers (such as Piet Hein Eek and Bertjan Pot) and artists (such as Anselm Kiefer) as examples that inspire him to think and experiment independently. He dreams of one day making completely free work, without commercial restrictions, and sees the process of discovery as just as important as the end product.

How does Lex Pott distinguish himself from other Dutch designers?

Dutch design has a strong international reputation thanks to names such as Hella Jongerius, Piet Hein Eek and Marcel Wanders. Where these designers are often exuberant in color or shape, Lex Pott excels in modesty, sobriety and focus. Unlike some who solve problems, Pott likes to create a problem first and then find a unique solution. His work balances between art and utilitarian object, and seamlessly combines efficiency and emotion. His collaboration with international brands allows him to spread his signature widely, where many other Dutch designers in niche markets remain active. This makes Lex Pott one of the most recognizable ambassadors of contemporary Dutch Design.

Sustainability, craft and social impact

Sustainability is an integral part of Lex Pott's design vision. By using pure materials without unnecessary treatments, the ecological footprint is minimized. He works a lot with local producers, guarantees transparency in the production process and encourages conscious consumption: his objects are intended to last and build a 'patina' of use and time over time. In doing so, he is in line with the current trend in which designers are challenged to unite aesthetics, ethics and functionality. His clear communication about material origin, craftsmanship and sustainability makes him a role model for young colleagues and students. His influence extends to museums and educational institutions, where his philosophy is widely discussed.

Frequently asked questions about Lex Pott and his work

Where can I buy Lex Pott's products? Lex Pott's products are available at high-end design stores, through webshops such as Flinders, in design department stores such as HAY, and at boutiques such as Mud in May and Loods 5. Many exclusive collaborations and limited editions are only for sale through museums (such as Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen), galleries or Pott's own website. The wooden cars are available at various interior and design stores, and of course can be ordered online on this website.
Are Lex Pott products sustainable? Yes, sustainability is a fundamental value. By choosing pure materials and local production, the ecological impact is modest and the objects are made to last. The production of his design objects takes place as much as possible with the environment and circularity in mind.
What do Lex Pott designs cost? Prices vary widely: simple candles cost between €25 and €40; furniture, cabinet systems and large objects range from €300 to over €1,000; limited edition pieces and unique gallery works obviously have higher prices. The high-quality finish and the low circulation of the productions make them valuable, lasting objects. 
Is Lex Pott still active? Yes. Lex Pott continues to develop new designs, set up exhibitions, collaborates with (inter)national brands and regularly starts his own projects. He also has an advisory role – including for the coin advisory committee – and has taught at the Sandberg Institute, among others.

Recognition, awards and influence

Lex Pott is widely recognized at home and abroad. He was named No.1 design talent by de Volkskrant (2015), won the Young Talent Pin, was nominated for the MINI Young Designer Award and many other awards. His work has been exhibited at international design fairs such as the Salone del Mobile in Milan, Dutch Design Week and in renowned museums. His inquisitive and open attitude has inspired a generation of young designers to focus on their own material discovery. His influence is visible in a growing appreciation for softer shapes, natural processes and transparency about origin and production, both in the Netherlands and abroad.

With his radical approach to materials, minimalist shapes and honest, often sensory designs, Lex Pott has made a lasting impression in the world of Dutch Design. His candles, vases, furniture and cabinet systems are all conversation pieces that combine classic craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics. When you choose a design by Lex Pott, you get more than just a utensil: each product tells a story about material, experimentation, time and a unique view of beauty.

* photo: Floor Knaapen