The Last Word

The Last Word – Joseph I’Anson

Joseph is a Designer-Maker living in Forest Hill. From his Brixton workshop, he creates bespoke furniture, interiors and kitchens.

How long have you lived in the area?

Coming up to 3 years now. I moved to Forest Hill not knowing the area, I was pleased to find there’s always so much going on and so many quality small businesses. It’s a great landscape for young designers and artists.

What brought you here?

South London has always played a big part in the music and art I love. I would visit Brixton and Peckham as a teenager. I always knew I’d live here at some point.

What do you most value about the area?

The amount of green space. I have The Horniman Museum at one end of the street, and One tree Hill at the other. Especially during this time, these spaces are so valuable. I feel very lucky to have them on my doorstep.

Do you belong to any groups?

Before the pandemic I would go to Afewee Boxing Club at the Brixton Recreation Centre. Such a great gym! They are a club that does so much for the community, most recently I’ve seen them organising food parcels for those in need.

What is your favourite place to eat?

Bona Sourdough on Dartmouth Road is my go-to. Delicious pizza and super friendly staff.

Coffee or tea? Where?

I love coffee but being a proud Yorkshireman I’m compelled to say tea. I rotate my visits between Forest Hill cafes: Guava Kitchen, The Teapot and Lazy Chef.

Your favourite place to go for a drink?

Watson’s General Telegraph! Good atmosphere, and a big garden. We love doing the pub quiz and going to the open mic comedy night.

Where’s your favourite place to walk?

We recently bought a guide to modernist architecture in the Forest Hill/Dulwich area by ‘modernistestates.com’. It mostly follows buildings in the Dulwich estate. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. A lot of these estates are cleverly integrated into the greenery, out of sight, it’s a perfect opportunity to wander off the beaten track.

My perfect holiday..

I went to Tigne in the Alps a couple years ago, and it was the perfect trip. The mountains are beautiful and spending the whole week snowboarding was an amazing experience. Despite loving the sun, my perfect holiday has to be a snowy one.

My secret ambition..

My secret ambition is to get a dog, but one that comes to work with me and will hang out in the workshop. I see other companies with a studio dog, and it fills me with envy! Hopefully soon I will fulfil my dog-owning ambition.

The book I’m reading at the moment..

I have just picked up Don Quixote. I spend most of my time reading design and business books, so I’ve neglected fiction and have a lot to catch up on. Suggestions are welcome!

Instagram: @joseph.ianson

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