During Salone del Mobile 2025 in Milan, Australian designer Ross Gardam presents two new collections for the first time: AERIS and SOLACE. Both collections combine mouth-blown glass in new forms paired with brass architectural framing. The design remains characteristically minimalist, showcasing Gardam’s unmistakable signature style.
I am particularly drawn to the Solace table lamp, which captivates with its reduced, sculptural aesthetic. The restrained design is reminiscent of a luminous glass tear that transforms with movement, revealing two distinct identities in light and form. The foundation of this intricate design lies in the interplay of two intersecting circles positioned perpendicularly to one another. The brass body of the lamp – available in natural brass, bronze, or blackened brass – further enhances its sculptural character.
The Solace collection emerges from a series of experiments that use innovative engineering and push the boundaries of traditional glassblowing techniques. Each piece is one of a kind – formed by a complex blowing process that gives each lamp a distinct, subtly textured surface. The glass shades are meticulously crafted in Australia, with final assembly completed by hand in Gardam’s Melbourne studio. The collection is available in a selection of mouth blown glass finishes, each uniquely transforming its appearance.
The sophisticated interplay of materiality, form and functionality in the Solace collection runs like a common thread through all of Gardam’s work. His philosophy of creating objects that “elicit joy & defy convention” is also evident in this collection. Like few others, these pieces embody the intention to create emotional connections through timeless design. Working with a team of designers, engineers, and craftsmen, Gardam creates objects that are not only formally compelling but also showcase the transformative nature of light as it interacts with color, texture, and form.
