The Little Bishop: A Unique Pendant Light Hook

An Elegant and Natural Solution for Hanging Pendant Lights

The inspiration for the Little Bishop came from Dominique Hunter of Hunter and Richards, who was frustrated with the makeshift methods used to hang pendant lights in her interiors. Antony Richards, her partner and a skilled jewelry designer, took on the challenge to create a hook that would suspend cable hung lights without compromising on aesthetics.

What sets the Little Bishop apart is its unique form and function. Handcrafted and cast by Antony Richards himself, the hook guides the cable to cloak it seamlessly, resulting in a truly distinctive design. The Little Bishop is the first ceiling hook specifically designed for cable hung pendant lights, making it a game-changer in the world of lighting.

The manufacturing process for the Little Bishop involves using flexible silicone molds due to its deep, spiral undercuts. While this allows for easy removal of the castings, it also means that the molds degrade quickly, requiring new molds to be made after only a few castings. Each unit is cast as a one-off piece, ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship.

With specifications that include fitting cable diameters of 5.5 to 7mm and a maximum load of 3kg, the Little Bishop is a versatile and reliable solution for hanging pendant lights. Its overall diameter of 24mm and hook height of 86mm make it suitable for various lighting installations. Additionally, the Little Bishop is available in a durable, bright white undercoat finish, allowing customers the option to paint it to match their space or leave it as is.

The Little Bishop project started in Melbourne, Australia in June 2014 and was launched on Kickstarter.com in February 2015, where it successfully reached its funding goal. Production began in May 2015, with the Little Bishop being made in small batches to cater to a global market. It is sold through an online shop and selected specialist lighting accessory retailers in the EU, the US, and Japan.

The Little Bishop has received recognition for its innovative design, winning the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in the Building Materials and Construction Components Design category in 2016. This award is a testament to the Little Bishop's exceptional creativity, technical characteristics, and artistic skill, which have left a lasting impression on the design industry.

With its unique form, seamless functionality, and commitment to craftsmanship, the Little Bishop is a true testament to the power of innovative design in the world of lighting.