Barber Osgerby closes after 30 years as designers go independent

On 20 May 2026, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby revealed the permanent shutdown of their acclaimed design firm, Barber Osgerby, which they established in 1996 after their meeting at the Royal College of Art. The duo will now focus on individual projects. Over their thirty-year tenure, the studio crafted furniture for B&B Italia and Vitra, lighting for Flos, tiles for Mutina, and collaborated with Galerie Kreo. Notable works include the 2012 London Olympic torch and cultural initiatives such as the V&A's Raphael galleries takeover, a chair for the De La Warr Pavilion, and a desk for RIBA's foyer. They launched Universal Design Studio in 2001 and Map Project Office in 2012. At Milan Design Week 2026, a retrospective titled 'Alphabet,' curated by Marco Sammicheli, was showcased at the Triennale. Their early creations began with plywood experiments, leading to the 'Loop' table for Isokon, which evolved into a desk for Cappellini. Barber and Osgerby highlighted their focus on experimentation and a lack of a defined style, crediting Wallpaper* for their initial recognition, with Giulio Cappellini discovering the 'Loop' table at 100% Design in 1997. They expressed that the Triennale exhibition represented a significant culmination and a turning point for future explorations.