here - The Furniture Makers Company

2015 Awards
The Furniture Makers’ Company, a City livery company, is
the British furnishing industry’s charity. We champion and
support the industry through driving excellence, educating
for the future and helping those in need.
Our prestigious Guild Marks recognise and reward excellence
for Bespoke furniture making, Design for volume production,
and Manufacturing, reflecting the broad range and depth of
our industry.
furnituremakers.org.uk/about
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 2 015
Alexander Gifford
Chairman of the Design Guild Mark Committee
“This year saw another record number of entries being held
to very high standards by a judging panel which increasingly
represents the diversity of our industry. Entries varied from
contract to retail, residential to hospitality and workplace,
from designers both well established and young and aspiring.
Chairing the judging process was a great honour and watching
the great minds in our industry critique the great output of
British design was a real pleasure.”
furnituremakers.org.uk/excellence
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 12 3
Frame Sofa & Chair Collection
Designed by Ian Archer | Distributed by Archer and Company
Ian Archer’s range for Archer + Co comprises a three-seater sofa, a
two-seater sofa and an armchair all with a beautifully detailed exposed
solid ash, oak or walnut. Every detail of the frame seating shows
Archer’s dedication to sustainable design. From the solid ash or walnut
frame to the upholstery, each element is made in the UK making this a
striking example of high-quality British craftsmanship.
archerandcompany.co.uk | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 12 4
Radius Range
Designed by Simon Pengelly | Distributed by Habitat
The Radius furniture range designed by Simon Pengelly for Habitat
has a subtlety and quietness at its core so that pieces can sit alongside
furniture of all styles and materials in peoples’ homes. Oak was chosen
as it evokes a sense of history, integrity, honesty and familiarity like no
other timber. With rounded corners, a smooth finish and visible bridle
joints, the pieces feel hand-crafted, suiting every style of living space
from traditional cottages to minimal lofts.
simonpengelly.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 12 5
Balance Coffee Table
Designed by Sir Terence Conran | Distributed by Content by Terence Conran
What makes Balance special is the feeling of movement and tension
created by the staggered vertical panels which appear to have been
pushed from side to side, as though one level is balancing on top of
another, creating a strong visual identity. The enclosed spaces allow for
the display of books, while decorative objects placed in the open spaces
appear to be balancing as if on the end of a cantilevered shelf.
contentbyterenceconran.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 12 6
TIMBA Table
Designed by PearsonLloyd | Distributed by Bene
TIMBA is designed to create an atmosphere that emanates warmth and
encourages people to sit and work in teams. Available in four shapes
and sizes, as well as two different heights, it offers flexibility of use for
meetings to project work to lunch breaks. Solid oak tapered legs offer
a stark contrast to standard office furniture, while the central turntable
covers a recessed hollow contains power and network connections.
pearsonlloyd.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 12 7
Kerning Bookcase Collection
Designed by Samuel Chan | Distributed by Channels
The collection aims to achieve visual purity through precise
woodworking, clean lines and lightness of touch. Ultra slim shelves
are staggered to create a “staccato” effect, and are mounted with a
small gap to create the impression of floating. Solid cross-grain wood
lippings are hand-applied to all edges to provide visual emphasis and
practical durability. The pieces have a wealth of subtle craft detail
but are intended to be strong and functional, utterly simple but with
immediately perceptible depth and quality.
channelsdesign.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 12 8
Kerning Cabinet Collection
Designed by Samuel Chan | Distributed by Channels
Companions to the Kerning Bookcase Collection, the cabinets feature
the same levels of detail and integrity, creating intensely crafted pieces
with an easy functionality for daily use. In place of hinges the cabinet
doors turn on a handcrafted traditional Chinese dowel joint while a
15mm gap that frames the façade provides a simple means of opening
the doors.
channelsdesign.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 12 9
Cross Leg Chair
Designed by Magnus Long | Distributed by The Conran Shop
The aim is to create a warm and inviting place to sit with supreme
ergonomics. The design is intended to remain visually light but with
maximum comfort. Tubular steel legs hug the shell and the legacy
hide leather cover is durable and long lasting, improving with age and
developing a unique patina over time.
magnuslong.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 0
STIX Table Collection
Designed by Magnus Long | Distributed by The Conran Shop
This family of tables has been designed to accommodate a number of
people in the most sociable format, while also providing an exclusive
and elegant design solution. Turned oak legs are placed inside a
specially designed central aluminium disc and then splayed, which
locks the legs into position, proving a durable strong base for the
marble table top.
magnuslong.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 1
The Cubrick Cabinet
Designed by Cairn Young & Ian Spencer | Distributed by Harrods
Cubrick is a collectors/drinks cabinet made with between 12 and 20
cuboid boxes, stacked in blocks of four, that hinge and pivot about each
other. The boxes open with one fluid hand movement and move in
opposing directions simultaneously. CNC routed MDF is used as it is
totally stable and able to be machined to a high accuracy. Brass hinges
and ball races are held in specially made brass washers. Clients can
customise the interior and exterior finishes.
yardsaleproject.london | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 2
HenRay
Designed by Henry Gurney | Distributed by Ocee Design
Inspired by classical Greek architecture, HenRay is based upon the
same principles of proportion and skilful composition. The simplicity
of design means that you can create endless configurations that provide
an environment for any task. The plywood frame provides strength and
sufficient depth of seat to provide comfort, robust enough to withstand
vigorous use in public spaces as well as being an elegant, sophisticated
solution.
oceedesign.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 3
Pollyfox Bench
Designed by Henry Swanzy | Distributed by Henry Swanzy Limited
The seat is set at a slight angle, increasing comfort, linked with bent
brass rods. Into the seat are four asymmetrical legs with turned,
slotted and wedged tenons, creating enormous strength in a very pure
uncluttered aesthetic. The legs are shaped using hand tools to lift the
piece from the mechanised production line, capturing the inherent
personality of the hand-made.
henryswanzy.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 4
Pollyfox Trestle Table
Designed by Henry Swanzy | Distributed by Henry Swanzy Limited
Simple and elegant in its design, the table’s legs and their angles allow
for maximum legroom. Asymmetrical and hand finished, as with the
Pollyfox Bench, the visual reference and design language are drawn
from Oriental calligraphic forms. Each trestle features a thick strip of
cork along the top to cushion the glass top. Cork has sufficient give to
prevent wobble and slippage.
henryswanzy.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 5
Svelto Round Stacking Stool
Designed by Lisa Sandall | Distributed by Ercol Furniture
The stool had to work with the features of an existing collection and be
stackable. Using just three component parts, the smooth flowing joints
of the stool are machined, assembled and machined again. A white
tint is added to the sealer to retain the look of unfinished oak, delaying
the effects of timber mellowing. Design for manufacturing techniques
were deployed to ensure the best use of materials and labour,
producing a strong, durable and long lasting piece of furniture.
ercol.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 6
Flite Compact Modular Seating
Designed by Rodney Kinsman RDI | Distributed by OMK Design
Designed to accommodate rising passenger numbers with the influx
of new super jumbo jets, Flite offers a 10 per cent increase in seating
capacity over alternative products. The minimalist structure utilises a
single support bracket and identical injection moulded polyurethane
seat and back panels, making the system easy to clean and maintain,
while assembly takes just minutes using a single tool.
omkdesign.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 7
OMKSTAK Stacking Chair
Designed by Rodney Kinsman RDI | Distributed by OMK Design
Designed in 1971 OMKSTAK is an all steel lightweight stacking
chair, comprising a tubular frame and pressed steel seat and back.
The monocoque seat panel provides the main structural element,
eliminating the need for cross rails. Punched holes with turned down
flanges reduce weight and add strength. The back panel incorporates
a handle, allowing single-handed stacking of up to 25 seats without a
rack.
omkdesign.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 8
675 Chair
Designed by Robin Day | Distributed by Case Furniture
A pioneer of new materials and processes, Robin Day utilised the
tensile strength and visual lightness of formed ply to make the onepiece back and arm component the chair’s most characteristic feature,
combined with a carefully considered tubular frame and upholstered
seat. Working closely with the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation,
Case has launched the latest endorsed and licensed chair which
sensitively reflects the original 1952 design in terms of proportion,
detailing and specification while using modern production techniques.
casefurniture.co.uk | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 13 9
CoCo
Designed by Mark Gabbertas | Distributed by Oasiq
Designed primarily for outdoor use, the chair was inspired by a desire
to explore the potential of using two simple and graphic planes in
juxtaposition and to consider how these slightly different forms relate
to each other. Gently referencing mid-century typologies via the
frame structure, the design allows for an appealing combination - the
forgiving nature of wood with the stiffness of steel.
gabbertas.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 14 0
Loki
Designed by Charlie Fowler | Distributed by John Lewis
The design intent for Loki was to develop a distinctive, contemporary
upholstery range for the retail market, with a relaxed and comfortable
sit. The slender frame raised off the ground creates poise and visual
simplicity, contrasted by generous feather and fibre filled cushions that
soften the look, make it inviting and provide exceptional comfort.
johnlewis.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 14 1
Edge
Designed by PearsonLloyd | Distributed by Modus Furniture
Edge is a thoughtfully designed practical range of tables that reflect the
way we work, interact and communicate throughout the day. Simple
and lightweight it is ideal for restaurants, cafés and canteens, but it
can also be used as a meeting table or desking solution. With cleverly
engineered aluminium knuckle and extruded legs, it can comfortably
accommodate large groups. The seamless white solid core tabletop has
a contemporary feel, ideal for the modern workplace.
pearsonlloyd.com | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 14 2
Poon Desk
Designed by Simon Pirie and Tony Portus | Distributed by Makers’ Eye
This study desk is the pivotal design from a range of solid oak
furniture created for the Dickson Poon centre at St Hugh’s College,
Oxford. Influenced by classical Chinese architecture and calligraphy,
the leg profiles reflect the tapering weight of Chinese letter forms.
The shaped drawer front suggests a slanting pagoda-like roof line,
increasing in dimension where it abuts the legs.
makerseye.co.uk | [email protected]
D E S I G N G U I L D M A R K 14 3
BA3 Side and Armchair
Designed by Ernest Race | Distributed by Race Furniture
Ernest Race’s iconic 1945 design in sleek, light and immensely strong
aluminium heralded a modernistic direction for furniture design in
Britain. One of the first die cast chairs in the world, it won a gold medal
at the Milan Furniture Fair and over 250,000 have been manufactured
to date. The robust chassis onto which a plywood seat and back can
be assembled allows for consistency of build. Upholstered parts can
be exchanged, a service that Race still offers to BA3 owners, some of
whom have owned the chairs since the 1940s.
racefurniture.com | [email protected]
We are very grateful to John Lewis Partnership for sponsoring the 2015
Design Guild Mark. We would also like to thank Marks and Spencer for
making its facilities and staff available for the judging process
The 2015 Design Guild Mark judging panel
Simon Alderson
Joanna Biggs
Rosa Bertoli
Sebastian Conran
Diana Monthhouse
Jeremy Myerson
Philippa Prinsloo
Pernille Stafford
-
twentytwentyone
GA Design
Wallpaper*
Sebastian Conran Associates
Aukett Swanke
Royal College of Art
John Lewis
Resonate Interiors
Cover Photo: Edge Table by PearsonLloyd for Modus Furniture Design Guild Mark 141
The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is
a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and is a registered company in England and Wales (no. 02759359)