This article was first published in the January 2016 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
Deemed worthless by the traditional textile industry, the coarse, dark wool from the Lake District’s Herdwick sheep has found an entirely different purpose: industrial design. By blending wool with bio-resin Solidwool has created something with the same characteristics as fibreglass just 50 per cent fewer emissions during manufacture. The finished form is engaging, tactile and utterly unique, and thanks to a new sheet production method, it's perfect for collaborations.
SUNGLASSES
Available in five styles (Scout shown), these Fanoptics shades are limited to 100 pairs, all made and designed in the UK. The frames are Solidwool with Carl Zeiss lenses. £320fanoptics.co.uk
KNIFE
Ben Edmonds crafts his blades in Derbyshire using the finest carbon steel. His limited-edition 25cm kitchen knife has a full tang and a hard wearing Solidwool handle. £320 blok-knives.co.uk
CHAIR
Partner to the side table, the Hembury chair is inspired by the moulded Eames chairs of the 50s. A powder-coated steel frame adds rigidity to a Solidwool seat and ash legs. £395solidwool.com
TABLE
Sheet Solidwool is ideal for furniture. The flat surface of the Hembury side table shows off the natural variation in the material; the legs are locally sourced ash. £245solidwool.com
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
