Introducing our latest Walpole member, Yinka Ilori

Yinka Ilori's work is underpinned by the belief that art and design should be accessible to all. Humorous, provocative and playful, his projects demonstrate how design can bring together communities and have a positive impact on society, evoking a sense of joy and optimism.

Learn a little more about our latest Walpole member, Yinka Ilori, in our interview with the design brand's eponymous founder (and creator of the most recent cover for Walpole's Book of British Luxury), artist Yinka Ilori MBE.

Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand

Yinka Ilori MBE: I’ve always been inspired by my British-Nigerian heritage, and when I began by upcycling second-hand furniture it was with the intention to produce colourful and dynamic works. Designing chairs and tables gave me the agency to expand and begin working with different mediums. My brand and studio have continued to evolve over the past decade. My work now spans architecture, product design and illustrations. From large scale projects, to designing pavilions, and curating visual identities for brands and places — has sent my brand on this upward trajectory.

What is your brand best known for?

It’s challenging to pin-point this to one set thing because my designs are multifaceted, but the key thread with the work I produce is to ultimately provide joy. Whether this be through colour, or playfulness — placing works which have functionality such as basketball courts or playgrounds in community-shared spaces so they can be enjoyed for years to come.

My intention has always been for art to be accessible, for it to be this shared and wonderful experience that brings people together and sparks new conversations. This really informs much of my design process and visual language — recognisable for being colourful and dynamic. I’m often considered an ‘architect of joy’, as I get the most satisfaction from working in public spaces to encourage audiences to engage with art directly and up-close. It’s incredibly rewarding.

What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?

The launch of my homeware brand Yinka Ilori Objects (YIO) was both a personal and professional milestone. I’ve always played with different mediums to express joy and positivity. To design objects for people’s homes to be uses in their daily lives, is such a privilege. YIO is about producing meaningful objects, that will become heritage pieces. I am excited to take it to new heights through future product launches and pop-ups.

Why do you love the brand?

Because of the community it has allowed me to build. Sharing my work with so many people from different walks of life and seeing their reactions, and the positive affirmations people take from it, is so incredibly rewarding. I work with an amazing and talented team in my studio, and our working ethos is for art to be this shared experience. Whether it be through collaborations and solo projects, I’ve always retained the rationale that accessibility and joy should be at the forefront of the brand and my designs.

Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?

The term ‘luxury’ has such expansive meaning, and it’s very subjective. On the one hand, it’s luxurious to enjoy familiar comforts, and for people to be come together over a meal. That’s how Yinka Ilori Objects provides a sense of luxury. But I also note true craftsmanship as luxury. There’s always so much thought and attention to detail when it comes to materials, narrative, and how the public will engage with my work. ‘Luxury’ lies in the public having access to art, so they can engage with it directly and form new connections.

What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?

It’s a true honour to be part of a community that celebrates British luxury by supporting both craftsmanship and innovation across a range of disciplines. My work is inherently community-driven, so joining a network of brands that share these core values was a natural and meaningful affinity.

If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?

What makes Walpole so special is the incredible array of members, who share this commonality of providing British excellence. Therefore, there are endless possibilities for potential collaborations. I’d be honoured to work with fellow members who also pride themselves on community, craftsmanship and experience.

Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months

There are lots of exciting, special collaborations to come this year with public installations, product launches and prints. Next up, we are unveiling my partnership with Everyman — I designed the screens for their outdoor cinema in King’s Cross and The Grove Hotel this summer. I’m looking forward to seeing people come together to experience it in-situ.

yinkailori.com