Miranda Watkins

In Memoriam

Miranda Watkins was a British interdisciplinary designer, who was best known for her trademark dynamic kinetic mobiles, elegant light installations, furniture, tabletop products, and jewellery.

Miranda was born and raised in London and trained in metalwork and jewellery at Middlesex University before going on to receive her Master’s Degree in Fashion Womenswear at the Royal College of Art. Soon after graduation she was awarded a bursary for a studio in the new Oxo Tower. There she started her career as a designer/maker of costume props and jewellery for films such as Batman, Titanic, Evita, Elizabeth, Shakespeare in Love, and Brave Heart. From there, she was head-hunted by Calvin Klein to New York to take the reins as his chief metalwork and jewellery designer. After many exciting years jetting around the globe in that role, in 2003 she returned to her beloved London and set up her own practice, Miranda Watkins Design. There she created objects that were thought provoking, visually engaging, often tactile, sometimes playful, and always pleasing to use as well as to look at. She had the deepest respect for skill and technique, often working closely with local, highly skilled craftsmen and engineers. Miranda strove to create beauty in her designs, from which those who own her work could derive simple everyday pleasure.

Miranda collaborated with interior designers and architectural practices around the world on an array of international, site-specific projects for private and corporate clients in USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Dubai and Europe. She also worked as a design consultant for clients including Georg Jensen, Wentworth, Calvin Klein, Swatch, Burberry, Heal’s, Barney’s NY, Lane Crawford, Mulberry, The Conran Shop, Liberty, Orient Express, and Universal Music Group. Miranda exhibited internationally, with work placed in permanent collections including The Royal Institute of British Architects, The Victoria and Albert Museum, and Vitra Design Museum’s VitraHaus.

She was generous in spirit, graceful in nature, and a damn good laugh. Bright, funny, quick-witted and English to the core. She will be dearly missed. Please find more information on how you can donate to help us fight this disease here.