Worn In, Not Worn Out. Oliver From Beam.

Seeing you all loving, repairing, and caring for your Universal Works is what makes us proud to do what we do. Those UW pieces new and old that have seen you through some of your favourite memories; work, play, those special occasions and your day-to-day life—whatever that might look like.

For our latest instalment of Worn In, Not Worn Out, we chat to our good friend Ollie, an Art Director at Beam, a Nottingham-based art gallery, publisher, bookshop and speciality coffee bar. Beam are dedicated to the exhibition, publication and sale of great art by great artists. And it turns out Ollie is into great jackets too. With some over a decade old, Ollie’s outerwear collection brings us back to the reason we make clothing. To be worn, repaired, and loved for as long as the piece will let you.

Barra Jacket and Military Chino in Black Byron Twill.

“I bought these from the shop above Rough Trade in Hockley, Nottingham in 2018(ish). This duo have done some serious heavy lifting in the 'occasions to attend' department over the last seven years. Like the Bakers Jacket, the twill has developed a lovely soft handle and the sun has transformed the colour to become varied and more complex—a dusty reddish black moving to aubergine. I keep thinking that maybe I'll dye it to bring back the sharper-suited days but then, with the softer, more casual nature of something nicely worn-in comes the perfect reason not to save it for 'for best' but to wear it whenever you like.”

The Original Bakers Jacket in Navy Byron Twill.

“Of all the UW kit I wear, the Bakers Jacket (particularly this one) is my favourite. I bought it about 12 years ago. New, the colour really popped—a lovely deep, bright blue. Over time, the sun has done most of the work in softening the blue to a gentle lavender/grape colour. I've worn it relentlessly and it has needed a little home repair here and there. The design is excellent. Adaptable, comfortable, easy to wear, practical and, if you need to smarten up, just button it up to the top. This jacket's beauty emanates from its utilitarian design principles and refined minimalism. It works well and, because it's been designed to work well, it looks well. It is obvious to me that my battered old jacket was designed with love. I can feel it when I wear it and that makes me want to project it—thanks David and Stephanie, it's bloody brilliant.”

Barra Jacket in Navy Byron Twill.

“Is this what the Americans call a ‘Sports Jacket’? I’ve no idea why that would be, although I think I may have played golf in it once. Maybe that qualifies it? Most of the time I wear it with just the top button done up and the collar open but, when it’s cold out, I pop the collar and button it right up to the neck—no scarf needed, and a nice (fast) change in look to the open collar. The top collar button is a very thoughtful practical addition—yet another feature that elevates UW design above the rest. The material is fantastic, so soft and comfortable. I instantly felt like we could really make it together—you know what I mean?”

Barra Jacket.

“A cosy jacket and a staple of my winter wardrobe. I absolutely love the subtle grey/green colour and the pinstripe. The soft material and gentle lines of the jacket really work well with a crisp white shirt buttoned to the top underneath. I should perhaps have ironed it for the shoot but even crumpled I love it. Somehow it feels like it might be asking for a hanky poking out of its top pocket, but I haven't quite got the stylistic back wheels for that—maybe I'll get there one day.”

Labour Jacket.

“A sample sale gem. I think this was from the first of the sample sales to happen at Primary art studios in Nottingham. We have our studio and gallery there and I remember seeing someone trying this jacket on in the last hour of the last day of the sale—they bottled it and I swooped in. Score—one lightweight selvedge denim jacket and with elasticated cuffs no less—such jolly old ’80s fun!”

Current exhibitions at time of publication at Beam:

Derek Sprawson, Recent Work.

https://www.beameditions.uk/exhibitions/2024/12/11/derek-sprawson-recent-work

Felipe Mujica, The Spirit of Science Fiction.

https://www.beameditions.uk/exhibitions/felipe-mujica-the-spirit-of-science-fiction

You can see their latest titles here:

https://www.beameditions.uk/store

Find Beam on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/beam.art.books.coffee/

https://www.instagram.com/beameditions/