5 Questions with Jarrod Lim, designer of Royal Selangor’s Crystalline collection

As Royal Selangor continues to produce the mainstay of quality pewter products that it’s known for, it has updated its collection through collaborations with prominent designers and fresh, upcoming names in the industry. The new collection, Crystalline, designed by Jarrod Lim, is a fine example of Royal Selangor’s changing face.

Comprising a pair of tealights, salt and pepper shakers, candlestands, a jug, a bud vase, and candelabrums, each item in the Crystalline collection bears the unmistakeable faceted geometry seen in crystals. We find out more about the design process from Jarrod Lim, designer of the Crystalline collection.

1. What was the collaboration with Royal Selangor like in terms of the design process?

Working with Royal Selangor was fantastic. It was exactly how any designer would like to work on a project. Royal Selangor incorporates design thinking into every aspect of the company. So when we discussed various issues with the designs, we were always on the same page, trying to achieve the best result.

They did not simply say ‘You can’t do this’ or ‘It’s too hard to do that’. Instead we worked together to find solutions, whether they were technical problems or issues with finishing or the production costs. We were able to find satisfactory compromises that didn’t affect the quality of the designs. And that has created a collection that we are all proud to be associated with.

Jug, salt and pepper shakers

2. What happened that led to this collaboration?

Some colleagues had just designed a new range for Royal Selangor and they were launching it at 100% Design in Singapore. I had a booth nearby showing my own work and I was introduced to Yong Yoon Li, the executive director of Royal Selangor. It wasn’t until more than a year later that I finally had a chance to visit the factory and propose some ideas to the team.

  Tealight holders

3. Royal Selangor is primarily a pewter company. You included black walnut wood. What are the reasons behind the choice of materials used in this collection?

The suggestion to use timber came from Yoon Li. Royal Selangor is capable of producing wooden components in-house and Yoon Li suggested incorporating timber as a method to create some sort of stoppers that will protect the table. But I wanted to truly integrate the material into the design rather than add it on as an afterthought. We tested several different species of timber and I felt the American black walnut worked the best with the polished pewter finish. It adds warmth to the collection and provides a nice contrast to the gleaming pewter.

3-in-1 candlestand, candlestand, and bud vase

4. What materials do you personally like to work with?

I’m happy to work with any material. I approach each material differently looking at the various characteristics and how I can enhance those qualities. I’ve been working a lot in wood over the past few years but much of that is due to its easy availability in this region. I like designing in different materials as each one provides me with new inspiration and a new direction.

5-arm candelabra and 7-arm candelabra

5. Are there any plans to expand the Crystalline collection?

During the two-year process of developing the collection, I came up with many designs. Some were edited out of the final series due to time constraints or because they didn’t fit well in the group, so there are still many undeveloped ideas which we will be looking into again. I am also thinking about other items such as desk accessories or even a pen that will take the Crystalline collection in an alternative direction.

The Crystalline collection is available at Royal Selangor retail stores and online at www.royalselangor.com.

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