Ringo Starr is known as one of the most famous drummers in the world, as a member of The Beatles. But did you know that he also had a passion for designing steel furniture?
In a newly released archival video from the BBC, Ringo reveals his hobby-turned-profession on the children show Blue Peter in 1971. He shows off some of his creations, such as a round steel tower with shelves, a steel table with Rolls Royce grills, and a kinetic sculpture.
Ringo explains that he started designing steel furniture in 1968, with the help of his business partner and designer Robin Cruickshank. They established the company ROR, short for "Ringo or Robin", and operated from The Beatles' Apple offices in London. They later opened a small store and attracted many famous clients, such as British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, actor Christopher Plummer, Rod Stewart, David Bowie and Elton John.
Ringo says that he enjoys working with steel because it is "very strong and very beautiful". He also admits that some of his pieces are very hard to make, especially the ones that involve Rolls Royce radiators. He says that he had to find a man who could get them for him, and that he paid him well for them. Ringo's steel furniture business was not just a hobby, but a serious venture that lasted for more than a decade. In 1982, ROR received a $10 million commission to redesign the interior of the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]