*ōH: the Curious Variable
2024 was the year of the ōH Foundation — a fresh creative force in Chester. With our move from 22 Bridge Street, I have been often asked: What’s next for ōH?
The Year of ōH
The ōH Design Foundation CIC: social enterprise committed to fostering creatives of all kinds, a unique shop featuring icons like HAY, along with local brands, a makers’ studio, café, and events space- is most importantly, a living, breathing creative community—a magnet for unique talent and a hub of inspiration.
It’s where I’ve made lifelong friends, encountered the unexpected, learned invaluable lessons, and worked tirelessly toward a dream much bigger than myself.
The new chapter will see ōH popping up in unexpected places across the city, activating long-forgotten spaces, hosting delightful events and immersive retail experiences. But we won’t stop at Chester. We’re taking our friends and collaborators with us, expanding our creative network, and pushing boundaries in ways that haven’t been done before—at least not here.
And here’s the truth: ōH Foundation isn’t defined by walls. It’s the people, the energy, and the creative universe we’ve built together.
We can exist anywhere.
Designers Sally Pattinson @TDS and Oscar Munro working at the ōH Studio
It is happening.
What we need is the opportunity. The Foundation is a powerhouse of talent and a resource we can tap into to bring bold ideas to life. And now, we’re ready to do just that.
We’re kicking off with the creative partnership with Storyhouse. The Foundation will be weaving pop-ups and appearances into the events program, bringing fresh experiences to new audiences.
We’re also launching a collaboration with Chester Racecourse, featuring the incredible work of artist Anne Byrne.
The Collective is joining forces with The Yard in Manchester and their talented Atelier designers.
Thanks to the ōH members' support, we could trigger these exciting collaborations and other projects, a pop-up space at Werburgh Street led by BEPO.
Keep an eye on the ōH Foundation’s events calendar!
If you want us to keep going you can support us here.
The ōH Supper Club concept series- new social dining experience by Miles Davidson curated by Monika Swindells
But what is *ōH: the Curious Variable?
It’s the best of all worlds: a multi-disciplinary studio powered by the Foundation, with the strong support of Openhome. Now fully stepping into the professional field, with projects spanning interior design, events, art direction, food experiences, exhibitions, content creation and branding.
*ōH: the Curious Variable is more than just a studio—it’s an agency, a professional creative entity, and a platform that finds opportunities for the talent I’ve carefully nurtured and championed.
I thrive when I’m back on the tools—creating, shaping, curating, designing, and exploring. And with the launch of *ōH: the Curious Variable, I can funnel that energy into something extraordinary. We are blending diverse disciplines, challenging conventions, and infusing our work with a commitment to sustainable creativity.
If you have an idea or a project you would like to work with us, reach out. *ōH: the Curious Variable exists to catalyze every conversation into a creative explosion.
First official project by *ōH. Visual image and interior design for the Climbing Gym in London features artwork by Jonathan Edwards and bespoke sailcloth seating by designer Oscar Munro.
