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challenges along the way. She recalls her first big installation, a 6m chandelier for a stairwell, that had to be positioned under a skylight. “There were 30 hand-blown glass shades and I had to work out how we were going to attach it. I was so scared that this thing would land on somebody’s head, I couldn’t sleep worrying about it, I had acupuncture at one point I was so worried.” As with all lighting, these fittings have to work hard as well as look beautiful as Patterson explains, “It is all very well me making a chandelier look really nice on paper but It has to physically work, it has to be practical. It must look great but it must also stay up there, be safe and have all the paperwork to go with it. When I started I


didn’t know how to wire a plug and then I was doing these massive chandeliers, it was a lot to take on, it was a big learning curve.” Looking forward to the next 10 years, Patterson says she hopes to keep exploring and introducing new materials. “It is also important to my husband Paul (who works with her) and I to consider our quality of life. We are both really keen to create a business that is about people, not just Curiousa. We have introduced a four-day week. We want to produce the best product possible but we will only do that if we look after the staff really well and make them feel happy.” Patterson and her husband are also keen to give something back. They have offered work experience to local schools and, in


2013, turned the basement of the old malthouse they live in into a cinema for the local community. Last year, the company committed to planting trees and hedgerows to help rewild the planet through a network of dedicated small holders, plus it sources from local suppliers, minimises transport miles and uses biodegradable packaging. Patterson has created a business that perfectly meets her creative abilities and ethics. “I enjoy my job,” she says. “I love designing lights and feel very privileged. Sometimes I wake up and forget, but I have to remind myself how incredible this is. Most days are pretty good.”


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