James Anthony, The Illuminist

I am an artist based in York, UK, whose work explores the intersection of balance, structure, and emotion through kinetic sculpture. Drawing inspiration from Alexander Calder and the architectural beauty of engineered form, I investigate the point at which geometry meets feeling.
Each mobile is built on the principle of the cantilever — a structure that seems to defy gravity while existing in delicate tension. Within that precarious balance, a quiet calm emerges. The suspended elements shift gently with air and motion, forming ever-changing compositions that invite reflection and evoke the serenity found in our own fleeting moments of equilibrium.

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Original Orbit - Kinetic Mobile Art

Every single hanging mobile is handcrafted under my own roof, where I pour my heart and soul into each kinetic sculpture. My clients are more than just customers - they become a part of my personal journey, and I am always excited to take on commissions to bring their ideas to life.

My medium of choice is responsibly sourced birch plywood, a beautiful and sustainable material that highlights the natural markings for each Hanging mobile, making them truly one-of-a-kind. And when it comes to movement and colour, My Kinetic Mobile Sculpture Orbit has taken the world by storm, bringing mesmerising motion and brilliant hues to homes and workspaces alike.

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The Fall & Orbit No 1

Designed for mid century decor, Scandinavian design lovers, and homes that crave clean, calming lines, this minimalist kinetic sculpture brings warmth, texture, and a soothing slow dance to your surroundings. Place it in a living room, hallway, or creative space and watch light play through the walnut’s deep grain as the mobile glides through the air like a wandering thought.

Inspired by Calder mobiles and hand-built in the UK by The Illuminist, this is moving art for adults, a unique piece of designer home decor that refuses to sit still. A modern heirloom. A sculptural whisper. A touch of nature’s poetry taking flight indoors.

If you’d like a custom form or a different scale suited to your space, I can design a bespoke version just for you. Send a message with your ideas and I’ll help you create a mobile that feels personally rooted in your home

Tripple Orbit Mobile - Add bold colour, movement, and modern style to your home with the Large Tripple Orbit Mobile – a handcrafted hanging decoration made from premium plywood and vibrant acrylic discs. This kinetic ceiling sculpture is perfect for adding a contemporary home accessory to your space, blending mid-century modern, minimalist, and art-inspired decor aesthetics.

Double & Triple Orbit Mobile

Add bold colour, movement, and modern style to your home with the Large Tripple Orbit Mobile – a handcrafted hanging decoration made from premium plywood and vibrant acrylic discs. This kinetic ceiling sculpture is perfect for adding a contemporary home accessory to your space, blending mid-century modern, minimalist, and art-inspired decor aesthetics.

Double & Triple Orbit

Trustpilot Revews

  • J C. Leeds

    Bought as a present although I was tempted to keep it! Beautifully finished and crafted. I chose a soft colourway for a child’s bedroom. The design was much better than other mobiles on the market and hand crafted.

    Date of experience: July 22, 2024

    Trustpilot 

  • JP1

    Love the mobile. It is beautiful. It arrived on time. The packing was a work of art in itself. Absolutely no regrets on this purchase.

    Date of experience: November 12, 2023

    Trustpilot 

  • AW4 

    James went above and beyond to make my mobile exactly in the colourway I wanted, his communication was brilliant and kept me in the loop for when I’d receive it. What I wasn’t expecting was the finishing touches on the packaging which shows how much pride, care and passion for what James does really goes into every aspect of his design process. Thank you so much, It’s already received many compliments!

    Date of experience: September 08, 2021

    Trustpilot 
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New Lily Mobile

4ft Wide Scandinavian style mobile Lily is handmade with responsibly sourced birch wood & felt. The Lily Hanging Mobile composed of 6 coloured felt Leaves. Influenced by the by the peace Lilly plant in form and tranquil movement. Each petal with its own supporting wooden stem, stunning from all angles! An ideal mobile sculpture fit for focal feature, a stairwell, Home Office and Living-room ceiling feature.

Eclipse Mobile

As a kinetic sculpture, the Eclipse mobile creates a dynamic and unique piece of modern art that is perfect for those who appreciate contemporary design. It's the perfect addition to any collection of furniture and décor, bringing a touch of Mid Century modern charm to your home.

Presented in a translucent rainbow spectrum or Have it your way with custom frosted colours 

Bespoke Hanging Mobile Orders Welcome

Looking for something unique? I offer custom kinetic mobiles and bespoke plywood lamps tailored to your space, colour palette, and design vision.

Whether you want a large art mobile for a public space, a personalised nursery mobile, or a one-of-a-kind lamp, I’ll design and build it by hand from start to finish.

Let’s create something beautifully balanced and uniquely yours.

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Vine Mobile

Introducing Vine, a kinetic mobile inspired by the graceful climb of vines. This sleek, tall & slender mobile brings movement and calm to any space, whether it's a mid-century modern living room, a yoga studio or an office. Designed to make a striking impact with its vertical presence and minimal footprint, Vine fits perfectly into modern, minimalist settings

Prism Mobile

Introducing Prism Mobile - a beautiful and colourful hanging kinetic mobile sculpture, designed and handmade by The Illuminist, an artist specializing in kinetic sculptures and dynamic mobiles. Inspired by the mid-century modern movement and the works of Alexander Calder, this kinetic mobile is a unique and stunning piece of cantilever hanging art that will add a touch of colour and movement to any space.

Bloom Mobile

A Wooden and colourful acrylic mobile. Influenced by Calder mobiles and the mid-century modern movement.
Bloom is a Kinetic Mobile Sculpture handmade with responsibly sourced birch plywood Milled, sanded and lightly waxed.
Bloom Mobile is composed of laser cut semi-transparent Red White and Blue frosted Perspex. Individually curved into a petal shape - influenced by the opening of a flower.

Moon Mobile

A wooden and colourful acrylic Perspex mobile. Influenced by Calder mobiles and the mid-century modern movement. A beautiful piece of hanging art. Kinetic mobile sculpture Moon is handmade with responsibly sourced wood, Milled, and lightly sanded.
  Moon mobile has 6 laser cut and thoughtfully engraved semi-transparent Perspex (Acrylic) disks work beautifully together. The disks are interchangeable so the colours can be mixed as you desire.
  An ideal fit as a baby mobile, a stairwell mobile, Home Office or Living-room hanging sculpture or feature window décor! 
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I am an artist based in York, UK, whose work explores the intersection of balance, structure, and emotion through kinetic sculpture. Drawing inspiration from Alexander Calder and the architectural beauty of engineered form, I investigate the point at which geometry meets feeling.
Each mobile is built on the principle of the cantilever — a structure that seems to defy gravity while existing in delicate tension. Within that precarious balance, a quiet calm emerges. The suspended elements shift gently with air and motion, forming ever-changing compositions that invite reflection and evoke the serenity found in our own fleeting moments of equilibrium.

All Collections