Well made: What it means

The show brought together a wide range of perspectives, challenging assumptions about quality, usefulness, and sustainability.

The exhibition looked beyond traditional ideas of form and function. It asked deeper questions: Where is something made? What materials are used? Who makes it? How is it repaired, reused, or discarded? What is its environmental impact? These questions framed a conversation about design that goes far beyond aesthetics.

Pearson Lloyd invited over 40 contributors to share their views. The responses were varied - some celebrated craft and natural materials, others questioned the value of mass production. The result was a collection that mixed tradition with new ways of thinking, showing how design can be both thoughtful and practical.

Objects ranged from a poorly made toaster to a beeswax paper vase and even a plastic bag, each chosen to provoke discussion about what “well made” really means. The studio has spent more than 25 years designing across sectors like healthcare, transport, and workspace. Their work is known for balancing efficiency with human needs. 

This exhibition reflects that approach, encouraging designers to think critically about the lifecycle of products and the systems behind them. Alongside physical objects, the show included tools, materials, and written reflections that explored the consequences of design decisions.

Pearson Lloyd’s message is clear: being well made isn’t just about how something looks or works. It’s about how it fits into the world - socially, environmentally, and culturally. The exhibition calls for a shift in mindset, asking designers to consider durability, repairability, and impact from the very beginning.

In a time when sustainability and responsibility are central to design conversations, “Well Made” reminds us that quality is not just a finish - it’s a philosophy.