Bethan Gray

Bethan Gray (1977–) is a British designer whose work is deeply inspired by distant cultures and by her passion for travel, expressing an exoticism that feels authentic and far from any kind of mannerism. Perfect examples include her Nizwa collection, whose decorative motifs are inspired by the crenellations of the fortress of the same name in Oman, and the Inky Dhow series, inspired by traditional Middle Eastern boats and characterized by delicate, irregular lines—like subtle ripples across the waves. From this latter series she also developed the Inky Dhow rug, produced by the Italian brand cc-tapis and one of her most successful products. This fascination with faraway places is also tied to her personal story: born in Cardiff to a Scottish father and a Welsh mother, part of her family descends from nomadic Romaní communities with roots in India’s Rajasthan region. Professionally, her career was launched by designer Tom Dixon, who discovered her through a design competition she entered shortly after graduating and invited her to work with him at the major home-furnishings retailer Habitat. Succeeding Dixon as Habitat’s creative director, she later opened her own design studio in London in 2008. Most of her creations are now produced and sold directly by her studio, though over the years she has also taken part in several special collaborations, such as with the British ceramics brand 1882 Ltd., and in designing a collection of lamps and accessories for the Italian company Editions Milano.