Designer Robert Archard

Crystal Palace-based designer Robert Archard has brought new meaning to the common or garden custard cream. His life-size ceramic biscuit boxes come in the form of four well-loved classics – bourbon, pink wafer, jam sandwich and custard cream – and are in serious demand.

Since launching onto the art and design scene, Robert has exhibited at Somerset House, Lambeth Country Fair and the Eco Design Fair. Last year, he teamed up with textile designer Donna Wilson at the V&A Village Fête. The two hosted a stall called Cake and Make, selling handmade ceramic and knitted jam tarts, french fancies, battenburg, cupcakes, donuts, and of course Robert’s signature biscuits.

But he’s not all about the sweet treats. Robert creates many of his other products using recycled materials, and with a social or environmental outlook in mind. He uses a stencil and a sandblaster to give re-used biscuit tins a new lease of life, prints his own T-shirts with the slogan Recycling Isn’t Rubbish, and recently launched his Dear Deer stamp, to give a creative edge to letter writing.

His products are now stocked in six London shops, including Paperchase’s flagship store on Tottenham Court Road, and on numerous websites in the UK and worldwide. His limited edition gold custard cream will soon be available to buy on his website. I met Robert in East Dulwich to find out what makes him tick. 

What gave you the idea for your ceramic biscuits?

‘I’ve always really liked biscuits, especially custard creams. I had the idea when I was watching someone pull the top off a custard cream – it almost looked like a little box.’

What is the ethos behind your work?

‘I do a lot of work that promotes recycling or uses recycled items. I think most of my work is inspired by social taboos and etiquette.’

What has been the most challenging product you’ve created?

‘Getting ready for the V&A Village Fête last July was pretty intense. I remember falling asleep trying to glaze enough cupcakes for the last firing in the kiln.’

Who would be your ideal stockist?

‘I really like the stockists I supply to, but I’d love to do a shop window display one day.’

What is your idea of a perfect day in London?

‘I reckon I’d start the day with a white hot chocolate and a veggie fry up at Domali on Crystal Palace triangle. Then I’d hop on the East London line to Shoreditch, go for a wander down Brick Lane and look round the vintage shops and market, making sure I grab an eccles cake and some builder’s tea from Brick Lane Beigel Bake.

‘Then I’d have a look on Redchurch Street at a few of the galleries and have a good nose in Caravan. Then onto Colombia Road to have a look at the shops there and get a great, rustic bunch of flowers for my good missus, whom I’d meet outside Fabrications on Broadway Market. We’d have dinner at a Turkish restaurant somewhere in Dalston, then meet up with friends for a drink and an amazing outdoor lecture at the Wapping Project.’

Where do you live and why?

‘I live in Crystal Palace, which I love. It has got some great pubs and antique stores. Most of my friends have moved to south London so it made sense to move there. I also don’t think I could afford a place with room for a studio on the other side of the river.’

Which other artists and designers do you admire?

‘I always look forward to reading anything about Grayson Perry or Martin Creed. I think they talk well about their work, life and the weird and wonderful world of art. I worked at the Thomas Heatherwick studio for a while, which was a real inspiration.’

Where in London do you find inspiration for your work?

‘I love east London on a Sunday for Columbia Road flower market and Brick Lane’s vintage market. I like to have a day visiting galleries, it always helps clear my head and gives me a chance to think about new ideas.’

Have you got any new projects coming up?

‘I’m working on a chandelier, which I’m really excited about. I’ve also got some greetings cards that will be out very soon.’

If you could go for a coffee anywhere in London, where would it be?

‘I like having a coffee at Tate Modern, looking out from the balcony to see St Paul’s, the Thames and the rest of the city, weather permitting!’

www.robertarchard.com