Ferrious

from milan to manchester...the ferrious story

Didsbury resident Paul Tempest and Jeremy West were creatively united during their student years at the former Manchester Polytechnic.

Jeremy, the interior designer of the two and Paul, the fine artist, started Ferrious 11 years ago and had their first major breakthrough in 1996 when asked to furnish Lush in the Gay Village. Paul says: “This was the catalyst to move from bespoke pieces, to the development of our own furniture by producing specific designs.”

Since then, the company has been commissioned by hotels, restaurants and cruise liners in order to shed new light on ever changing interior spaces.

As Ferrious grew, opportunities arose to furnish prestigious interiors in London and the south east. Clients including the British Council and Manchester Art Gallery have also been graced with its unique designs.

It is an exciting time in Manchester, and, for property developers in particular, our city centre streets seem to be paved with gold. Consequently Paul and co-owner Jeremy saw the potential of adding an extra 2,000ft, to their contemporary design shop on Whitworth Street West, to cater for a new residential clientele.

Selling new designs from Spanish rug manufacturers Gandia Blasco and lights and furnishings by Moooi – look out for the ‘smoke chair’ – the subtly retro showroom also displays work by local artists and designers, including 24, Synchronised Liquid and Jon Male.

Ferrious’ furniture has the resonance of the 1960s and 70s. It is inspired by classical pieces yet the company aspires to create classics for the future.

The showroom follows the Italian minimalist trend and presents shelving systems, sofas and split crystal vases in an uber-fashionista environment. Whether choosing from Artemide lights, Ilse Crawford turned tables or a Jeremy West three-seater sofa, the high quality textures and fabrics used in all designs help to create not just artistic, but very practical pieces of furniture.

Words by Valerie Essien