Meeting My Industry Idol: Timothy Oulton

It’s not every day that you get to meet your industry idol, but that’s exactly what happened to me in 2020 at the IMM Cologne in Germany. As someone who had always admired Timothy Oulton’s innovative designs and creative approach to furniture-making, meeting him was a dream come true. But, my experience didn’t end there, and I got to (almost) keep a memorable gift from him.

After a bit of networking and some luck, I found myself sitting across from Timothy Oulton, sipping on a glass of wine, and chatting about our shared experiences in the furniture industry. I was initially nervous, but luckily the wine helped, haha. Plus, who doesn’t love a little liquid courage, right?

As we talked, I found that Timothy was not only a great designer but also a down-to-earth and humble person. He was genuinely interested in hearing my thoughts on the industry and was willing to share his own insights and experiences. We even bonded over our mutual love of dad jokes. Who knew furniture designers could be so funny?

One thing that stood out to me during our conversation was Timothy’s passion for creating unique and innovative designs. He believed that furniture should be more than just functional pieces but should also be works of art that reflect the individuality of their owners. I couldn’t agree more, and I made a mental note to try and incorporate that mindset into my own work. Another thing that struck me was Timothy’s commitment to quality craftsmanship. He spoke at length about the importance of using high-quality materials and skilled artisans to create furniture that would stand the test of time. I nodded along, feeling like I was in furniture design church.

As we were leaving, Timothy gifted my bestie, Netali a limited edition coffee table book that he signed and dedicated to her. The book was massive, and Netali was starting to regret not hitting the gym before the expo. I, on the other hand, was regretting that we didn’t bring a suitcase big enough to carry the book back home.

We tried to come up with creative solutions, like cutting the book into smaller pieces 😉 or using it as a coffee table itself. However, none of our ideas seemed practical enough. In the end, we decided to leave the book at a nearby coffee shop, promising ourselves that we would see Timothy at upcoming shows and retrieve it then.

Two years later, we found out the heartbreaking news that Timothy had passed away unexpectedly. I immediately thought of the coffee table book and my friend’s disappointment. She still resents me for not bringing the book back, and she never misses a chance to remind me of it. But, hey, at least we have the memories, right?

In conclusion, meeting Timothy Oulton was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left a lasting impression on me. His innovative designs, creative approach, and commitment to quality craftsmanship continue to inspire furniture designers worldwide. And, while we may have lost the coffee table book, we will always cherish the memories of our unforgettable encounter with a legend in the furniture industry.