When it comes to product design, “You’re born with a touch,” states David Cowan, the founder and chairman of David Mason Design, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and marked the occasion at the recent Spring Fair (February 2022, NEC Birmingham).
Talking to HousewaresNews.net during Spring Fair, David (who turns 90 years old this month) acknowledged: “I’m the oldest person here and was at the first Spring Fair in Birmingham and the trade fairs in Blackpool before that.” Undoubtedly, David has devoted his working life to the housewares industry. In 1954, when in his early 20s, he took over Cole & Mason – founded by his father Julian in 1919 – and subsequently designed the world’s first clear Acrylic Salt and Pepper Mills among other innovations.
With his sharp “eye for product”, David introduced the spice jar set in the late 1950s: the first wooden rack with jars filled with culinary herbs and spices. “We sold lots of these to TV prop companies and would see them on the kitchen sets in classic shows such as The Good Life and Morecombe and Wise,” David reflected.
Establishing his new company David Mason Design in 1962 (and eventually selling Cole & Mason in 1995, when Snowline Housewares was also acquired), David has, of course, experienced decades of evolution within the housewares industry, with sons and company directors Nicholas and Richard continuing to spearhead the family business.
When asked what he is most proud of, David stated: “My contribution to the housewares industry behind the scenes and that our family business is highly respected all around the world.” A landmark moment was recognition for international success in 1986, when the company was presented with the Queen’s Award for Export. Meeting Prince Philip on his visit to the Palace, David noted: “We supplied the royal family with mills and Prince Philip enthusiastically picked one up when we were talking – he was a great character, and we had a long chat.”
David Mason Design (DMD) also pioneered the outdoor living category with its outdoor diningranges, as well as licensed housewares, with the Disney license for melamine and drinkware in the 1980s. In the past 20 years, David acknowledges the company’s growth in ceramics and tableware – DMD’s current bestsellers include The English Tableware Company and Ashley Thomas – and the establishment of an office in Hong Kong five years ago, which has bolstered the company’s strong links with its manufacturers.
Applauding the stylish displays in Hall 8, David noted the change in exhibition stands over the decades: “The standards are much higher!” Eye-catching displays on DMD’s stand included its Excellence in Housewares Award winning Bee Happy and the new Artisan Sunflower designs, which also feature on the front of the company’s celebratory 60th anniversary catalogue and tote bag. David commented on the woodcut effect imagery: “It reminds me of France and seeing sunflowers turn their heads towards the sun.”
Typical stockists have changed too in recent years, with more giftshops, lifestyle boutiques and garden centres that devote space for kitchenware and tableware. With many benefiting from DMD’s merchandising tables, David observed: “Garden centres have become destination stores, and our designs make natural add-on sales.”
Top: DMD founder and chairman David was delighted to share his company’s Diamond Anniversary celebrations Spring Fair last month. He is pictured raising a glass with Jo Howard of HousewaresNews.net.
