Barnaby Barford
British artist and designer Barnaby Barford studied in Faenza and at the Royal College of Art in London, developing a strong interest in ceramics and porcelain early in his career. His often ironic and provocative works draw on existing forms and figures, which he deconstructs, reassembles or transforms. Barford’s work explores fundamental questions of human behaviour, including morality, the relationship between good and evil, and the pursuit of happiness, consumption and growth. His work has been exhibited internationally and is held in collections including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Barford lives and works in London.
For Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg, Barnaby Barford created the Global Service in 2006, a series of 14 porcelain plates that together form a map of the world. The service draws on the historical idea of table decoration as a conversational piece: an object designed to spark conversation between guests. Each plate depicts sections of continents and political borders that only come together to reveal a complete image of the world. Viewed from above, the map shifts attention away from individual countries and borders towards the larger whole. In this way, Barford combines the traditional function of a porcelain service with a contemporary reflection on borders, community and a global perspective.
