A conversation with Fred Rigby

When I first stepped into Villa Lena,a creative bolt-hole tucked away in the Tuscan countryside, the tones and balance of its interior aesthetics evoked the warmth of returning home, and spoke of a connection to nature. It was only when the Cloud Sofa caught my eye in an article several years later that I realised that its creator and designer, Fred Rigby, was the very same creative who had conceptualised and created those remarkable Tuscan interiors.

Villa Lena interiors by Fred Rigby Studio

Villa Lena

The shapes and tones of nature have incessantly fascinated Rigby. From his childhood spent exploring the sloped fields and verdant terrains of Dorset, he has threaded a symbiotic connection with the natural world, transposing this into the fluid lines and tactile textures that characterize his work.

From his London studio emerge creations and design concepts that seek to draw us back into the grounded pace of nature, inviting moments of considered reflection on our place in the world.

“I wish for those who engage and connect with my work to take a moment to slow down, to relax and to feel in some way connected to the piece.”

Since opening his studio back in 2012, Rigby’s impeccable craftsmanship, reserved demeanour, and groundedness have attracted the attention of affirmed creatives and brands that share his values, including Cereal cofounder and owner of Francis Gallery,Rosa Park, and House of Grey founder, Louisa Grey.

More recently, Rigby has partnered with furniture company Another Country to design a capsule collection of seating furniture to celebrate the brand’s 10th anniversary. Made wholly from sustainably-sourced materials, the three-piece collection reflects Rigby’s love of the countryside and for design elements inspired by life lived close to nature.

Fred Rigby by Renee Kemps

Having been confronted with the importance of respecting our natural world during the continuing pandemic, Mother Nature has gradually made her way back into our living spaces, with the work of designers such as Rigby - who both respect and draw inspiration from her - gaining well-deserved recognition and importance. We recently caught up with him and asked ten questions inspired by the Proust Questionnaire - a questionnaire that has its origins in a parlour game that had been popularised by French essayist Marcel Proust, designed to reveal the player’s true nature.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

In work, happiness for me is seeing a project being completed, while also seeing the happiness of everyone else with whom I have worked closely with to accomplish this. On a personal note, happiness is being surrounded by friends and family and making the most of time off with them while enjoying the smaller things in life, such as going for a walk. One can easily forget about these small but incredibly important aspects when living in a place such as London that is switched on 24/7.

What is your current state of mind?

I feel positive that things are going to change for the better, while I am content with the work that we are producing at the moment. I’m trying not to focus too much on everything else that is going on around us that is related to the pandemic.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, who or what would she/he/it be and why?

An animal that relishes and has freedom – freedom to run and explore and do what it naturally wishes to do.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Not to get so caught up in the moment and to focus on the future.

Pebble Sofa

Pebble Chaise Longue by Fred Rigby

What is your greatest regret?

On a personal note, not having spoken to my grandparents more before they passed away.

What is your most treasured possession?

My brain.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Friendship.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Friendship.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Upholding an entrepreneurial spirit and setting up my business. It has been incredibly rewarding watching it grow over the years with each successful project, while I have constantly sought to improve our work with each step forward taken.

What is your motto?

Measure twice, cut once.