While plenty has been written about Albam in the past 2-3 years, it’s always been of interest to observe their relationship with the great outdoors and how it informs their design process and the lifestyle they represent. You only have to look at products like the Hill Walker jacket or the climbing photos on their blog to see they have a healthy appreciation for a range of outdoor activities. I spoke to James Shaw to find out more.
Back and Forth: What are your favourite outdoor activities? Do you get the chance to do them as often as you would like?
James: I have done various things but it has gradually whittled itself down to climbing rocks and then with limited time at the moment just focusing on bouldering. Although as things are pretty full on I can’t give it the focus it needs so have to live vicariously through friends and their ascents. On the whole though it is more about getting outside and up and away.
B&F: In the context of walking and climbing, where are your favourite places to visit in the UK and further afield? Is there anywhere in particular that you would really like to visit that you haven’t yet had the chance?
James: Well I live in Nottingham so I have access to the Peak District, the Lakes, Wales and Yorkshire. The Peaks are kind of my backyard as it is so quick to get there and as most of my friends are based up there I can just catch up with them. Fontainebleau just outside Paris would be my ideal venue, close enough to the city but when you are climbing it is like a million miles away, great rocks, beautiful scenery and just awesome climbing. For more exotic locations there is this place in India called Hampi which just looks amazing. A huge rock plateau strewn with these amazing boulders and what makes it for me is that there are these monkeys that live there and seem to watch the punters climb the routes and then burn them off!
B&F: Sometimes when I’m in the city in the middle of a working week and need a “breath of fresh air” I head to the local woods for a walk. Do you have any places in Central London that you can escape to when you don’t have the chance to leave the city?
James: I moved out of London for that reason, walking isn’t the same when it is flat and man made. In my opinion anyway. I tend to spend a few concentrated days down in London with my head down and then as soon as I can get to the hills I will. Headspace for me needs to be where I have some good real space, whether it is a view or a route I want to do, it frees the mind so much more than a city.
B&F: When you head to the countryside are you looking for design inspiration, or the chance to relax and focus on other things besides Albam?
James: Relaxation, but then work is all around us and anything can get the brain ticking. Obviously I love climbing shops and seeing what the latest gear is etc and I am sure this influences how we do things.
B&F: When designing something like the Hill Walker jacket, do your own requirements feed into the process? ie. incorporating pockets that are large enough to carry certain items you want to have to hand when out walking or climbing.
James: Climbing and other outdoor pursuits have a simple need for “Fitness for purpose” and this usually comes down to a simple stripped back aesthetic. Making something or doing things in the cleanest possible style is what climbing is all about and this does have an effect on what we do but in terms of what the requirements are then it varies. Our Hill Walker was really a nod to a general outdoor aesthetic from 30 years ago, we aren’t too fussed with looking like we have just come from Everest base camp as it doesn’t fit in with how we live our lives.
B&F: What are your outdoor essentials? Besides the obvious supplies, I always take ginger beer.
James: A cashmere crew knit, for me it beats a lightweight fleece hands down! Patagonia Capilene base layer tops. and I have been wearing a Marmot wind shell which has been great for the last couple of months. If the weather is wet then so are the rocks and in which case a good cafe is pretty essential. Failing that a good flask of tea, some Tunnocks caramel wafers and if it’s an overnighter then a beer goes down well!
A very enjoyable interview. Interesting questions. Good work.
ps
Ginger beer is great!