Here's a selection of work by Norwegian designer Alex Hellum, which will be on show at 100% Norway in London this September.

Palette dressing table and stool, Peg chair and Birdside table were all designed for homeware retailer Heals.

"Nobody needs a dressing table,” says Hellum. “It’s not like a chair or a table - it’s not about function. It’s all about glamour. You have to want it.

“I made it from beech; wherever possible I use local timber because it has a vernacular quality that somehow comes through in the final product. Beech is very good for turning and this piece has lots of turning.”

100% Norway will be at 100% Design, Earls Court, 18-21 September.

The following information is from 100% Norway:

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Alex Hellum has developed a distinctive design style based on observation, utility and honest use of materials. His starting point is often a pragmatic one. Watchful of use, he asserts that in design “there is always a practical solution” and believes part of the role of the designer is to “give reason for things to exist”.

Alex is very much a hands on designer, creating objects that have natural longevity in both build and function. His sensitive use of wood and reclaimed materials gives his designs their character, depth and integrity.

Born in Larvik, Norway, Alex Hellum is a furniture and product designer living and working in the UK. He has worked on numerous private and commercial design commissions and has designed products for Heal’s, Thorsten Van Elten and Ercol.

In 2008 Alex Hellum is launching his own low volume production furniture brand, continuing his work as a designer for other furniture companies and expanding his teaching role at Buckinghamshire New University.