A Legacy Inspired by London Living. At the heart of Robert London Design’s ethos lies a deep connection to the city its founder, Robert Thake calls home. A respect for craftsmanship. An origin story shaped by generations that delves into the formative experiences that continue to shape the studio’s work today. For Robert, the roots of his practice run deeper than materials or methods. They stem from family, memory, and a profound sense of place.
“I always looked up to my grandfather,” Robert recalls, “in my eyes he was the patriarchal figurehead of the family. He was kind, soft but strong, competitive but fair.”
A respected antique dealer specialising in jewellery, Robert’s grandfather, Francis Harding worked at J. McCarthy Ltd, a historic jeweller’s shop in Victoria, London, that’s been family-run since 1798. As a child, visiting the shop felt like entering a world of wonder: “It felt like family. The place had soul, and the objects, these inanimate things were full of history and potential. I was captivated by that.”
These early visits weren’t just about seeing family; they sparked an appreciation for the trade, for craftsmanship, and for the beautiful connections that objects can hold. A legacy inspired by London living. “Even the journey into London stayed with me, the timber and glass of train doors, the patterned fabric on bus seats, the etiquette of black cabs. There’s a visual and tactile poetry to the city that shaped my eye from a young age.”
When his grandfather passed away, Robert’s mother made the intentional choice to work in central London, another formative moment for the designer. “It stayed with me. I always knew I would base myself in this city when the time came.”
Though Robert chose to study design in the North of England, London was always the destination. “I wanted to gain experience and perspective elsewhere, but I knew I would return. London is a magnificent, multicultural hub that allows national and global connections. I feel privileged that we can connect to the UK as a source of beautiful materials and skilled makers and manufacturers, whilst simultaneously bridging this beauty with our international clients”.
Today, Robert London Design continues that legacy, not only in name, but also in its grounded deep respect for craftsmanship, material, and memory. The studio’s work reflects the enduring influence of the city, its history, its makers, and the personal lineage that started it all. London is part of its DNA.