Light artists VS Manufaktur

'Craftsmanship meets perfection,' says Jens Schump with understandable pride, explaining his simple but crystal clear values in a nutshell. The decorative metalworker with a specialisation in metal spinning learned his trade from Florian Schulz (1946–2019) and worked with the lighting designer for 14 years. Even at a young age, Jens Schump seemed predestined to carry on the tradition of premium classic luminaires started by the former Florian Schulz company.

In 2010, while still an apprentice at the factory, he and his parents converted the double garage at their home into a workshop where he developed his own new luminaire designs under the name VS Metallbildner. Florian Schulz promoted Jens Schump to works manager in 2014, and three years later talks about the succession process began. In 2019 the time had come: Florian Schulz put the fate of his factory in the hands of Jens Schump – VS Manufaktur was born.

Now 37, Jens Schump is owner, entrepreneur, designer and craftsman, all rolled into one. Working with passion and a team of experienced craftspeople, he is dedicated to the vision of combining timeless design with the highest standards of quality and mature, state-of-the-art technology. 'Over the last few years I’ve preserved the design language of Florian Schulz while making my own mark through my creative impetus,' says Jens Schump.

The hand-picked team of craftspeople at VS Manufaktur has adapted all the luminaires to modern technical requirements, including KNX and smart home systems. All development and production takes place at the company’s facility in Swabia, southern Germany. Every luminaire from VS Manufaktur is virtually handmade, unique, and made to last – a fruitful dialogue between precision and aesthetics.

Text: Roland Merz | Photos © VS Manufaktur

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