The company began in September 2006 when Rob graduated from his four year degree course as a BSC in Product Design & Engineering. During his course he did an industrial placement with a shop fitting company in Liverpool. This gave him a valuable insight and experience into the complete development of a retail outlet, from design to installation. It was here that he mastered the process of glass bonding, to the extent that his employer set up a new company for the design and manufacture of Rob’s portfolio. His range of furniture was featured in Smart Life International magazine and the following month his CD/DVD rack was selected as one of the top 100 ‘must have’ gifts for Christmas.
Rob graduated in July 2006, having just exhibited his furniture at the Grand Designs Live Show in London. His signature piece, the glass dining table, was included in the GDL room set for Future Living and his glass dining chair was nominated for an award at the show. The success of this exposure convinced him where his future lay. Further shows followed, and his furniture was also exhibited at the BBC Good Homes Show and his Tirol coffee table was used in the promotional section of the accompanying show magazine.
Once the company began trading, Rob spent the first months building up his portfolio of new designs under the RHD banner. In January 2007, his glass dining table was featured on the TV programme, ‘60 Minute Makeover’. Rob was also approached by Ian Joseph of Fuego Fire Design to design a glass tower for his range of gel fire burners. He also offered to place some of his designs on his own stand at the Ideal Home Show in March 2007. The glass tower was subsequently featured on the TV programme, ‘This Morning’ on one of its daily visits to the show.
After the success of the Ideal Home Show, Rob was asked to design more pieces for Fuego Fire Design, which were then launched at the Grand Designs Live Show in June. He advertises regularly in Smart Life International and has been featured in Lancashire Design & Living and more recently, in the October 2009 edition of Lancashire Life.
Despite offers to move to London to continue his work, Rob has decided to remain based in Lancashire. He has made a conscious decision to use only British glass that conforms to British Standards, which is now required by law. He uses the highest quality components and all pieces can be custom built to suit each individual client. He offers an individual design service in the comfort of the client’s home or office and can supply any type, colour or specification on request. Rob prides himself on breaking all the rules when it comes to creating new pieces. In fact, if he is told that it can’t be done, he will prove that it can. He works alone, and can therefore control all of the processes, from design right through to manufacture and delivery.
Rob Halsall is a pioneer in the world of contemporary glass furniture design. His new range is both stylish and sophisticated aimed at the discerning client. The designs break all the known barriers of UV bonding, resulting in individual and unique pieces for any environment.
