Founded in 1998 by Chris and Clare Turner, CTO Lighting was built on a philosophy of enduring quality, noble materials, and artisanal craftsmanship. At a time when mass production was becoming the industry norm, CTO Lighting took a different path—one rooted in precision engineering, material integrity, and the artistry of British makers.
Fast forward 25 years, CTO Lighting remains at the forefront of contemporary British lighting designers, creating pieces that embody both heritage and innovation. Each design is a study in refined simplicity, where sculptural forms are enriched by the depth of hand-finished metals, mouth-blown glass, and artisan-crafted stone. From private residences to iconic hotels such as The Savoy and The Dorchester, CTO Lighting’s collections bring a quiet yet commanding presence to some of the world’s most considered interiors.
“We believe in making things well—pieces that are beyond trends, where craftsmanship and materiality take centre stage.” – Clare Turner, Founder and Creative Director.
CTO Lighting is defined by a commitment to contemporary design, guided by materiality and craftsmanship. Each piece is designed with a considered approach, ensuring that lighting does more than illuminate—it transforms the space it inhabits.
“Light is not just about function. It has an emotional quality that enhances how we experience a room.” – Clare Turner
KITCHEN BY JO BERRYMAN
As leading UK lighting designers, our ethos is built on three key principles, each shaping the way we approach design, craftsmanship, and the interaction between light and space.
Refined materiality is at the heart of every collection, with each material carefully chosen for its depth, tactility, and longevity. Sculptural simplicity defines the form of each piece. While we embrace minimalism, it is never stark or cold; instead, our designs are enriched by a deep understanding of proportion, balance, and how light interacts with its surroundings.
ARTES WALL LIGHTS IN MORAY PLACE BY ANNA MILLS INTERIOR
Warmth and atmosphere reinforce the idea that light is not just functional but deeply emotional. Clare describes the design process as striving for an atmosphere that is “rich and warm,” where lighting enhances the well-being of those who experience it. We continually refine our approach to illumination, working closely with artisans to ensure that light is diffused in a way that feels natural and inviting. We often experiment with how light interacts with different materials, ensuring that it is never harsh but instead casts a soft, golden glow. By focusing on the balance of light and shadow, we capture a sense of quiet luxury—one that does not demand attention but instead enriches the ambiance with effortless elegance.
This design language is beautifully reflected in collections such as AVALON, a chandelier inspired by the shifting light of Arthurian legend. Its alabaster pillars encircle a floating metal ring, diffusing a soft halo of illumination that feels both ethereal and architectural. MODULO takes a different approach, exploring geometric interplay through smoked glass and brass, creating a rhythmic composition that feels effortlessly modern yet timeless. Meanwhile, the LUCID collection brings a sculptural presence with its alabaster and satin brass structure, capturing the delicate balance between solidity and translucency.
Each collection is designed not just as an object, but as an experience—one that interacts with light, space, and material in a way that feels timeless yet contemporary.
AVALON HALO CHANDELIER IN MORAY PLACE BY ANNA MILLS INTERIOR
At CTO Lighting, materiality is at the heart of everything we create. Each element is chosen for its depth, tactility, and ability to shape light in a way that feels warm and atmospheric. By working with expert artisans across the UK and Europe, we ensure that every component meets the highest standards of craftsmanship, resulting in lighting that is both sculptural and enduring.
“We are committed to working with noble materials—ones that age beautifully and enhance the quality of light.” – Clare Turner
Our metalwork is defined by precision and refinement. Brass, bronze, and nickel are hand-finished using time-honoured techniques that create rich, layered patinas, enhancing both the visual and tactile qualities of each piece. These metals are polished, brushed, or oxidised to develop a soft, luminous character that evolves over time, ensuring that every fixture ages beautifully.
Glass is integral to the way we shape light. Working with master glassblowers, we explore pulegoso techniques, veiled opalescence, and organic textures to create surfaces that diffuse illumination in a way that feels natural and atmospheric. The artistry of mouth-blown and cast glass allows for subtle variations, ensuring that each piece carries its own unique character.
“Glass has a quiet poetry—it refracts, glows, and transforms a space with its presence.” – Clare Turner
Sourced from Zaragoza, Spain, alabaster is a defining material in our collections. Its delicate, organic veining allows light to pass through like the sun behind a cloud, creating a soft, radiant glow. No two pieces of alabaster are ever identical, reinforcing our ethos of craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
CTO Lighting is dedicated to preserving and celebrating British craftsmanship. Every light we create is assembled by hand in Birmingham, where our skilled artisans meticulously craft each piece with an uncompromising attention to detail. This hands-on approach ensures that every fixture reflects the highest levels of precision, artistry, and material integrity.
We collaborate with some of the finest metalworkers, glass artisans, and stone carvers across the UK, supporting local industries and championing traditional techniques in a contemporary context. This dedication to craftsmanship allows us to push the boundaries of material exploration while staying true to time-honoured processes. In a past feature on ArchDaily, we discussed how British craftsmanship informs our designs—a principle that remains fundamental to our work.
Each stage of production is carefully considered, from the hand-finishing of metals to the precise assembly of sculptural forms. Collaboration with artisans is integral to our process. From the initial concept through multiple iterations and prototyping, we work closely with highly skilled craftspeople to refine each design. We visit our manufacturers to oversee the first production pieces, ensuring that every detail aligns with our vision. Our engineers and technicians are also deeply engaged in the process, exploring new materials and techniques to achieve the best possible outcome.
The talent among our suppliers is remarkable, and we are committed to fostering these traditional skills, keeping them alive in an ever-evolving industry. The expertise of our artisans ensures that our lighting is not only visually striking but also built to last—a key principle in our approach to sustainable luxury.
For us, sustainability is not a trend; it is an integral part of our design philosophy. As Clare Turner notes, “Make it once and make it well.” This guiding principle ensures that every stage of production aligns with our commitment to longevity and responsible craft.
Our commitment to British craftsmanship and sustainable design allows us to create lighting that is not only timeless in its beauty but also in its impact.
Read more about our approach to sustainable lighting design in our latest journal.
As CTO Lighting continues to evolve, our commitment to timeless design, noble materials, and British craftsmanship remain at the core of every collection. Each new piece is not just an addition to the portfolio but a continuation of a legacy—one that respects heritage while embracing contemporary innovation.
“Lighting is more than just illumination—it is about creating an atmosphere, a moment, a feeling. That’s what we design for.” – Clare Turner
With a presence in prestigious interiors worldwide, CTO Lighting is redefining modern British luxury, where design is as much about emotion and experience as it is about craftsmanship and materiality.
Explore the latest collections and experience the artistry of CTO Lighting.
What makes British craftsmanship unique in lighting?
British craftsmanship in lighting is defined by a dedication to precision, quality, and material integrity. The UK has a long history of skilled artisans working across metalwork, glassmaking, and stone carving, and this tradition continues today. What sets British lighting craftsmanship apart is the commitment to combining heritage techniques with contemporary design. As British lighting designers, we work closely with British artisans to ensure that every piece is made with meticulous attention to detail, from hand-patinated brass to mouth-blown glass and sculpted alabaster. This approach results in lighting that is not only beautifully designed but also built to endure, reflecting the values of longevity and excellence that are synonymous with British craft.
Why is bespoke lighting important in interior design?
Bespoke lighting plays a crucial role in interior design by allowing spaces to be tailored with precision, ensuring harmony between light, architecture, and furnishings. Custom lighting can transform an interior, offering a unique statement while enhancing the ambiance and functionality of a space. Whether it’s adjusting the scale, selecting the perfect finish, or designing an entirely new composition, bespoke lighting provides a level of artistry and refinement that mass-produced fixtures cannot. This is particularly relevant in British home lighting, where the fusion of heritage interiors with contemporary lighting requires thoughtful design to create spaces that feel both timeless and modern.
How does modern lighting mix with traditional design?
Modern lighting and traditional design can work in perfect balance, creating interiors that feel timeless yet contemporary. The key lies in thoughtful material selection, sculptural forms, and how light is diffused within a space. A well-chosen modern fixture can highlight architectural details in a period property, offering contrast while respecting the integrity of the original design. At CTO Lighting, we specialise in designer lighting UK, ensuring that each piece complements both classic and contemporary interiors, bringing warmth and refinement to every space.
