It was here that Black met Martin Blum, sparking into existence the creative powerhouse that is black + blum.

Blum was born in Switzerland and before travelling to study in the UK he worked as a clerk at a product design company – which is where his ambition to design was first ignited.

Black + Blum make fun, affordable products that bring a smile to everyone’s lips. Their first design in 1998 was the instantly iconic James the Doorman doorstop.

The kookie Anglo-Swiss partnership have won many awards, most recently Homes and Garden Best Product Design (2011) and Best New Product – Earl’s Court Show (2012). Close.