Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
It is with great sadness and regret that we have to advise of the passing last week of Barry Seaman.
Barry was the founder of Plate Tableware at Fulham in west London.
He launched the lifestyle boutique, specialising in design-led, contemporary tableware and dining accessories, in November 2005.
The shop was independently owned by Barry, who wanted to create a destination for people who enjoy dining and entertaining with family and friends at home.
With a stylish approach and colourful ambience, the shop attracted a loyal clientele who welcomed its quality products and excellent customer service.
Barry studied geography and mathematics at The University of Warwick in Coventry from 1980 to 1984 and went into teaching – where he stayed for almost 20 years.
He worked his way up to the post of Director of Studies at Hellenic College in central London but was Head of Humanities for many years at Ibstock Place School: an independent co-educational day school on the edge of Richmond Park in south-west London.
In 2003, Barry decided on a complete change of career direction to pursue his passion for dining and design-led tableware. He saw the shop for sale, bought it – and never regretted the decision.
Outside work, he enjoyed visiting the theatre and opera, hosting dinner parties and eating out. He loved to travel too.
Barry will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by the housewares community. He was a frequent visitor to trade shows and a familiar face to many suppliers, fellow retailers and the trade press.
“He will be very much missed,” confirmed Simon Maghnagi, business development manager of housewares company Forma House. “So sad for a great guy who was always fun to chat to.”
No funeral details have yet been confirmed; as and when they are available they will be published on HousewaresLive.net.
