Sebastian Cox, University of Lincoln
Sebastian Cox’s beautiful pieces hooked us in immediately. We weren’t alone…his work has attracted interest from the top end of the industry this week. A simple chair suspended on a weighing scale drew attention to its lightness, yet the piece is very strong and durable. Sebastian’s MA project utilised traditionally coppiced hazel as his main material – chosen as “It is strong, light, entirely renewable, and grows in abundance in the UK”. He believes that this is a great resource that is “hugely overlooked in this country”.
He says, “I see a move to a more sustainable material culture possible in several ways – using environmentally benign materials; lower impact processes and designing products that are durable, both physically and emotionally. During the design process, this final point of being durable became the overriding idea – essentially sustainable design should avoid landfill.” His designs concentrate on deliberately timeless shapes, as he told us, “I really admire the designer Gio Ponte –the chair he designed in 1957 is just as desirable and relevant today as it was when it was first created.”
Mike Charlton, University of Plymouth
Also attracting a lot of attention was the great workmanship of Mike Charlton. Mike is also a designer with sustainability at the core of his work. His shelf unit and chest of drawers in bamboo were both clever and practical and revealed the great attention to detail that won him the Devon Guild of Craftsmanship Award at his degree show in Plymouth.
Bamboo is the most sustainable material that exists; it is low cost, grows fast, has great strength. Mike has used modern production methods, including the latest computer milling, to ensure accuracy and minimal waste of materials. His shelf system features unique slotted layers, allowing pieces to be re-positioned to suit the individual and is finished with the latest natural eco oils.
Dominic Williams, London Metropolitan University
For thoughtful design work with a great sense of fun, London Metropolitan University’s stand was packed with gems this year. We loved Dominic Williams’ oak and suede, ‘Clothes Donkey’ – part storage, part playful object, based on a gymnastic pommel horse. The owner is invited to sling clothes over its back, hide dirty laundry inside and there is even a secret store drawer behind the ‘eyes’.
Fotis Evans, London Metropolitan University
Also at London Met, Fotis Evans’ response to a brief for a flexible book display and storage system set by Somerset House was so successful that it has been bought and is now being installed in the London-based gallery. The beauty of this piece is its multi-purpose functionality; sections detach and can be re-positioned depending on need.
Phil Proctor, Bucks New University
Phil Proctor’s award winning Quello table and stool for Ercol was on display at Bucks New University’s stand. Elegant, space saving and beautifully considered, the table has a sliding top that glides both ways allowing access to the storage beneath without disturbing the objects on the surface. The table has been manufactured at Ercol’s factory.
Kitisart Tangsakul, Bucks New University
Also at Bucks New University, Kitisart Tangsakul’s wonderfully simple and multi-functional Box Stool is stacked to create a ladder, shelves, a small table or simply a taller stool.
Tortie Hoare, New Bucks University
Finally, we loved Tortie Hoare’s collection of eco-friendly ‘French armour’ inspired leather furniture, which won her this year’s BDC New Designer of the Year award. Each piece was carefully crafted and a unique experimental exploration of manipulating leather.
Look out for more highlights from Furniture at New Designers on the ARTS THREAD blog soon.
Sebastian Cox
Mike Charlton
Dominic Williams
Fotis Evans: fotis@fotisevans.com
Phil Proctor
Kitisart Tangsakul: kitisartkangsakul@hotmail.co.uk
Tortie Hoare: tortshoare@gmail.com
