Their early designs, like the and Rococo wall lights , were inspired by their travels and their deep respect for 17th-century aesthetics. These pieces weren't just functional; they felt like heirlooms from day one. From Putney to the World

Rather than waiting for the right pieces to appear, Michael and Lucy decided to create them. Reviving the "Lost Wax"

Initially, they dealt in antiques—fine furniture, porcelain, and mirrors. However, as they worked with the elite interior decorators of London, they noticed a recurring problem: a "lighting gap". High-quality, classically inspired lighting that could bridge the gap between historic antiques and modern living was nearly impossible to find.

The Vaughans didn't just want to make lights; they wanted to preserve the artistry they saw in their antiques. They sought out aging master craftsmen who still understood traditional techniques like —a painstaking process that allows for incredible sculptural detail in brass and bronze.

In 1983, on a quiet stretch of London’s , an artist and a restorer decided to merge their passions. Michael Vaughan, an artist with a keen eye for decorative antiques, and Lucy Vaughan, who had honed her skills in ceramic restoration at the Victoria and Albert Museum , opened a small shop with just £12,000 and a shared vision.

By 1987, the demand for their signature look—rooted in history but with a clean, contemporary twist—had grown too large for their small shop. They moved to a flagship showroom on in Fulham, and the Vaughan name began to echo from New York to Australia. Celebrating 40 Years - The Story - Vaughan Designs