Maker Monday: An ASPIRE Exclusive Interview With Charlie Bowles

Charlie Bowles, Director of Original BTC, naturally fell into the footsteps of his grandfather and father. With six production facilities dedicated to design, each lamp at BTC is handcrafted to perfection by using materials such as ceramics, metals, and glass. BTC is found in showrooms in London, Paris, and New York with sales in over 85 countries. Please allow us to continue this amazing journey with this week’s Maker Monday, Charlie Bowels of BTC.


The Hatton 4 lamp is made from bone-china, giving it this effortless and unique look.

Andrew Joseph: How would you define your work in three words?
Charlie Bowles: Creative, ambitious, skilled.

Andrew: What are you most proud of?
Charlie: Being part of Original BTC journey and designing the London Table Light.

Andrew: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
Charlie: A big concept rollout.


With its warm and enhancing glow, the Fin pendant light creates an eye catching focal point for any room.

Andrew: Style (or design) icon?
Charlie: Charles Eams’s Lounge chair.

Andrew: What was your first job?
Charlie: Making hanging packs for the Original BTC lights, age 10.

Andrew: Must-have clothing item everyone should have?
Charlie: Lightweight down jacket.


By using old techniques, BTS creates the London Table light. It is a modern lamp with retro-flavoured vibes and a tailored finish.

Andrew: What’s your favorite cocktail?
Charlie: Aviation.

Andrew: What are three words to describe where you live?
Charlie: Relaxing, satisfying, welcoming.


About The Maker | Original BTC Director, Charlie Bowles, son of founder Peter Bowles, is the latest in a long line of designers, manufacturers and retailers. As Peter’s childhood visits to his father’s factories ignited his passion for production, so did Charlie’s, who at aged eight asked to operate machines at Peter’s Sheffield cutlery factory. Following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, Charlie fell in love with the factory’s incredible noise and ‘the making of things.’ Launched by Peter in 1990, Original BTC provided Charlie with his first job, assembling the brand’s iconic bone china Hector collection and working on the stand at Maison et Objet. With design in the blood, Charlie would offer his opinions on new lighting prototypes from an early age. Charlie’s journey progressed from designing the Original BTC website and brochure whilst studying Product Design at Leeds University to becoming Director in 2012, immersing himself in all areas of the business, from design and manufacturing to sales and marketing, as well as launching and running the Group’s two showrooms at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour and Rue Bonaparte in Paris. In 2009, Charlie designed his first light, the London. An instant classic, the table light’s elegant lines guaranteed movie star status, with appearances in Skyfall, X Men and Men in Black 3. The London remains one of Original BTC’s best loved designs, joining classics including the Hector, Drop, Titan, and Task collections. With a passion for traditional skills, local production, quality materials, functionality and attention to detail, Charlie works alongside Peter to ensure the Original BTC Group’s growing library is a world-class source of British-manufactured lighting designs.


Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine. See more of his work here

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