Interview: Liberty's furniture & lighting buyer Michelle Alger

Half Blue Love Seat by Ercol

Liberty's, the famous London department store, is one of SpaceTM's favourite destinations. In particular we like nothing better than spend a Saturday afternoon having a nose round the huge variety of new and vintage furniture on the fourth floor. Here we get to meet the person who handpicks every piece that ultimately ends up in this hallowed space, Liberty’s furniture and lighting buyer, Michelle Alger.

First of all, where's your favourite space?
It has to be my garden in the summer. It backs onto a field full of cattle and horses. I am a plant junkie and spend ages planning the display (with a little help from my horticulturalist younger brother!). My other favourite space would be looking over Sennen Cove in Cornwall – sheer, rugged, natural, beautiful coastline.
Who's your favourite furniture designer?
Danny Lane. I love his use of glass and wood, and the way that he puts the natural elements together.
My favourite new designer is Zoe Murphy, for her quirky re-interpretation of Margate landmarks which she laser prints onto wood. Being a fellow Kent girl I really get her ideas and her re-use of vintage furniture; and, so it seems, do my customers, as we have sold out!
Ercol is making its debut on the fourth floor of the redesigned Liberty. What is it you love about Ercol?
The wood bending technique is something that fascinates me and the clean simple lines and shapes. Their designs still have longevity decades later.

Evergreen sofa by Ercol 

  

Black or white?
Neither, I am drawn to colour most of the time.
Old or new?
Old every time.
Minimalist or ornamentation?
Ornamentation. I like a treat for the eyes and not show homes. Features and character are what’s important to me. The excitement of what you might see round the next corner is the look that I have strived for on the fourth floor of Liberties.
Cluttered or tidy?
Have you not seen my desk? Cluttered!