Newton’s Pendant
Dan Jones - Independent Project
A sculptural desk lamp that reinterprets the classic pendant light through a contemporary lens. Inspired by Newton’s first law of motion, the design explores balance, suspension and stillness through a curved supporting form, weighted base and soft glowing globe.
A patinated copper surface and braided cable detail bring warmth and tactility, resulting in a lamp that is both carefully engineered and distinctively hand crafted.
The initial sketch and ideation stages of the project were progressed through quickly, enabling a greater focus on refining the form and perfecting the aesthetics. By streamlining the early design process, more time could be dedicated to finessing the details through 3D modelling and rendering, ensuring a visually striking final result.
Prototyping Process
Prototyping followed an iterative process of ideation, testing, analysis and refinement. Structured in focused phases, this approach enabled rapid development by building targeted test components, ensuring an efficient, cost-effective build.
Surface Finishing Methods
Different methods were explored to create the surface colour, tone and finish. Swatches were 3D printed as flat and curved forms. These were sanded, filler primed and spray painted. Rub ‘n’ Buff paint, brushes and cosmetic sponges were used to introduce more variation and depth.
Test Rigs
Small test rigs were built to check key tolerances and assembly details before final construction, reducing risk in the build and improving confidence in the final prototype.
A range of solutions were used on copper leaf to create an oxidised patina finish. The preferred method with the best results came from using liver of sulphur, stippled onto the surface.
