Corin Mellor facts for kids

Corin Mellor (born December 17, 1966) is a talented designer. He creates many things, including silverware (like forks and spoons), tableware (plates and bowls), and furniture. His father was David Mellor, a famous designer known for his cutlery. His mother was Fiona MacCarthy, a writer. In 2002, Corin took over from his father as the creative director of their family company, David Mellor Design.

Early Life and Training

Corin grew up in Sheffield, England. He studied product design at Kingston University. Before joining his family's business, he worked for an architecture firm in London called Yorke Rosenberg and Mardall.

Designing for David Mellor Shops and Museum

Corin has played a big part in designing the David Mellor shops. The very first shop opened in London in 1969. Corin is in charge of designing the inside of these shops and choosing which products to sell. He has also designed many items himself.

Corin also designed the inside of the David Mellor Design Museum. This museum is in Hathersage, Derbyshire. He worked closely with architect Michael Hopkins on this project. In 2007, the museum won a special Countryside Award for its excellent design. In 2012, his furniture, made from plywood, received an award called the Design Guild Mark. This award comes from The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.

Cool Design Projects

Corin's first design projects were for furniture. You can see his public seating at The Lowry Gallery in Salford Quays. His benches are also at the Millennium Galleries and the Winter Garden in Sheffield. Recently, he finished making a unique bench for the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth House. This bench is made from strong galvanized steel and oak wood.

In 2008, Corin was asked to create a large Advent Wreath for Sheffield Cathedral. This metal artwork is made of many vertical rods of shiny stainless steel. From this idea, he then designed a series of stainless steel candle holders, called candelabra, for homes. These pieces were even nominated for a Blueprint Design Award in 2008. An exhibition of Corin Mellor's decorative metalwork was held at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in 2009.

His most recent architectural metalwork project is a sculptural bridge. This bridge connects buildings for the new Sheffield Hallam University in the city center. He has also created special silver items. These include silver bowls for The Prince of Wales and candles for Sheffield Cathedral's Royal Maundy Service during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

His Family

Corin is married to Helen Mellor, who is a photographer. They have two children together. In April 2009, The Independent newspaper called them 'the first family of design'. Corin's mother was Fiona MacCarthy, a well-known writer and critic. His sister, Clare Mellor, also has her own graphic design company.

Public Roles

Corin Mellor is a member of the board for Museums Sheffield. He is also a freeman of two important companies: the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire. In 2013, he became a guardian of the Sheffield Assay Office. He also received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.