The Ralph Saltzman Prize 2023: Edward Barber in conversation with Marco Campardo

Co-Founder and President of DesignTex, and a major figure in the design world, Saltzman's curiosity and collaborative spirit is evident in the legacy of innovation he leaves behind and in the company he founded nearly 60 years ago. Designtex's development of sustainable textiles and the partnership that emerged between William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart won First Prize in the International Design Sense competition at the Design Museum in 2000.

Campardo has a particular interest in manufacturing and material experimentation as a form of critical practice, using it to explore wider narratives about culture, materiality, identity and authenticity. His research seeks to subvert or adapt industrial manufacturing processes. He works closely with manufactures, local communities and artisans to develop projects that value craftsmanship and tacit knowledge.

Barber is co-founder of London-based industrial design studio Barber Osgerby alongside Jay Osgerby. Their diverse body of work spans industrial design, furniture, lighting and site-specific installations as well as gallery and public commissions such as the London 2012 Olympic Torch and projects for the Royal Mint. They work with leading manufacturers such as Vitra, Knoll, B&B Italia, Flos, Venini and Hermès, and their work is held in collections including the V&A, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Art Institute of Chicago.

Lewin is a curator and writer based in London. Currently developing her first exhibition as Senior Curator at the Design Museum, she was previously Curator, Exhibitions and Design at Serpentine, London. As well as producing independent exhibitions and texts, she has also been a guest lecturer at Chelsea College of Art & Design and Slade School of Art, and has taught on courses at the Royal College of Art and Design Academy Eindhoven.

The second year of our annual prize in partnership with the Saltzman Family Foundation celebrating emerging product designers in recognition of Ralph Saltzman’s design legacy.