Monoware

I find this interestingly strange: why is it that we save the beautiful set of tableware for special occasions? Isn’t every meal a celebration? That is exactly Monoware’s ethos. The British tableware brand was born as a response to Daniel Baer’s (the founder’s) struggle to find modern tabletop essentials for the everyday. As he puts it, “I felt there was a gap to serve a generation of creative cooks and diverse households who have new needs and habits, but consistently value timeless design and durability”. 

Daniel enriched his skills through pottery classes both in the UK and Japan, where he was able to learn about different techniques and styles. “Originating as a casual pastime, my journey with clay on a potter’s wheel transformed into an obsession and, ultimately, the creation of Monoware”, he expresses. It all started with durable stoneware ceramics, focusing on simple, elegant forms and a natural color palette. These ideas, crafted, fired, and hand-finished in Portugal, were brought to life focusing on creating everyday vessels designed for house guests, dinner parties and daily rituals. However, Monoware grew into so much more. Nowadays, the brand extends beyond ceramics to include a unique selection of small-batch items crafted by UK makers, along with glassware, kitchenware, and cutlery.

Monoware believes in the concept of living with fewer yet better things. Overwhelmed by fleeting trends that compromise on quality and design, Daniel found himself looking for the combination of durability and ageless elegance in something that can seem so banal, but that is such a vital part of our lives. In fact, ordinary objects whose functions are usually taken for granted is where Daniel draws a lot of information. “Generally, every design starts with the question: how can we improve an essential object we use every day?”, he says.

An example of this is their newly launched cutlery range: “These are important utensils which we all use on a daily basis and, if poorly designed, can negatively impact how we enjoy our meal”. Functionality, durability and aesthetic appeal stand as Monoware’s three main pillars. In the founder’s words, “I value simplicity as the epitome of beauty, reflected in the clean and streamlined shapes of our products”. A simplicity that is durable, that is timeless, and that is accurately crafted to ensure that these indispensable tools are life-long companions.

After all, and even if we might not give it such relevance, the table is the heart of the home. Around it, while we use our plates, bowls, forks and knives, we share stories and we share food. It is a pure and intimate moment of connecting with other individuals. “In an age where it’s increasingly easy to disconnect due to work-from-home culture and post-lockdown insularity, coming together with others has become more relevant than ever”, reflects Daniel. Tableware gains more significance: “Whether it is for a casual reunion with friends, a family get-together, or a special celebration, tableware serves more than just utensils: it becomes a meaningful link for connection”.  

This connection becomes even more wholesome when the object is a unique testament to craftsmanship. There’s a special connection that occurs also before being used. Behind each design piece lies a singular story intimately entwined with the talented makers and family workshops that Monoware collaborates with. For each collection, the brand partners with a specialist designer who has expertise in the material they are working with, ensuring that the collaborations are informed by the product and material.

Their small batch collection was deeply shaped by the chosen local potters across the UK and their mastery of the craft, along with their preferred clay. This serves as an example of how craftsmanship becomes the main character of every piece, provided by professionals with a profound appreciation for the making process. Meticulous, cared for and timelessly elegant products that have brought to life a community of individuals from different industries. “Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and professions, whether it’s a cookbook author, a chef, or a champion barista, has not only given us valuable insights into how our products are used, but has also allowed us to learn from their expertise in their specific line of work”, indicates Daniel. Monoware is about creating lasting relationships that unite through a collaborative spirit, and where inspiration is reciprocal, and passion is shared. Monoware represents the art of such an essential tool.