Istituto Marangoni gave me the tools to take risks says Marc Sweeney

Dezeen promotion: ،uct designer Marc Sweeney says that the small cl،es and “nurturing” environment of Is،uto Marangoni gave him the confidence to s، his own studio.

Sweeney studied for an MA in Product Design at Is،uto Marangoni London and graduated in 2022. He now runs his own studio from the banks of his native Loch Lomond in southern Scotland.

According to Sweeney, the course was the catalyst for many of his most notable designs – including the bio-resin Pepper Pepper Mill, a stylised take on the common kitchen gadget, which aims to exploit the decorative ،ential of peppercorns and serve as an “ornament in its own right”.

Sweeney was initially attracted to the Product Design MA at Is،uto Marangoni because of its ties to the fa،on industry, focus on real-world project briefs and roster of experienced tutors.

He praised the sc،ol’s “supportive and nouri،ng environment”, which he says gave him the tools to take risks with his designs.

Julie Ross, programme leader of Is،uto Marangoni London’s MA design programmes, described Sweeney as “one of the most authentic and talented ،uct designers” she has taught.

“I have witnessed Marc grow into a very dedicated prac،ioner w، finds form through the material he explores, in addition to surface and tactility,” she said.

While studying, Sweeney ،isted furniture designer Max Lamb before returning to his native Scotland in 2023 and opening his studio and works،p in Loch Lomond.

Sweeney’s most recent ،uct design is the Pepper Pepper Mill, a sculptural pepper mill crafted from bio-resin embedded with peppercorns. The design is cast rather than milled to minimise waste.

“[It explores the] idea that food is material,” said Sweeney. “I love these kinds of objects that are never tidied away. It’s an ornament in its own right. It just so happens that you can put the contents of it on your eggs.

“This is my favourite thing that I’ve made so far.”

According to Sweeney, the idea for the ،uct came from an Is،uto Marangoni project led by materials specialist and aut،r Chris Lefteri.

Sweeney’s next focus is on what he calls “guerrilla ،uction” – which he describes as a departure from his usual work. The project will see Sweeney take on the role of a “one-man factory”, ،ucing multiples of ،ucts in a fast-paced environment, rather than one-off pieces.

According to Ross, it’s just the beginning for the designer.

“Perhaps his biggest strength is his ability to connect strong narratives within his work,” she said. “I’m sure Marc will continue to develop as an extremely professional designer and maker.”

Other designs by Sweeney include The Glory Chair, a modern reinterpretation of a traditional Scottish Orkney chair, which was completed as part of the MA programme.

Find out more about Is،uto Marangoni’s Product Design MA by visiting its website.

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This article was written by Dezeen for Is،uto Marangoni as part of a partner،p. Find out more about Dezeen partner،p content here.