In connection with the release of our second Point of View essay “Create — The Culture of Modern Craft,” we’re devoting a series of blog posts to a new view of craft.
In his post last week, Lew Epstein, our general manager, asked “What makes craft?” Part of his answer is that craft is the “pursuit of how to make things, better” — in any age.
That phrase in any age is important. Craft is always about using the tools and technologies of the day to disrupt the status quo and advance “a thriving culture of invention and making,” Epstein wrote.
This week we’ll look at two pairs of upholstered chairs that embody beauty and materiality — the enduring ingredients of craft. These ingredients are the first of four traits we’ll examine, each one integral to the culture of modern craft.
Our chair pairings provide a contrast between a modern sense of craft and a more classic sense of the term.
Through this and coming posts, we’ll catch a glimpse of how a “maker culture” persists in every age, even as the means and methods of craft may change.
These two high-back lounge chairs represent celebrated achievements in furniture design. Each armchair is beautifully contoured. Each is supportive and comfortable. Each is an icon of craft, though the two were conceived more than 60 years apart.
The armchair on the left — the Wing Chair CH445 by Danish master Hans J. Wegner — is a classic beauty from the mid-20th century. This chair’s graceful proportions, distinct angles, and handcrafted finishing make it one of Wegner’s most admired designs. Its style and craftsmanship, right down to its internal beechwood framing, make it a work of art in any setting.
The Massaud Lounge, on the right, is a contemporary work by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud. It received the 2015 Red Dot product design award for its unique form, providing a combination of high comfort and high function. It’s generous and welcoming and refined. A modern beauty.
Both the Wing Chair CH445 and the Massaud Lounge are prized for their elegance of shape and structure, even as they represent two distinct generations of craft. Here, in a sense, the old serves as a bridge to the new.
From a pair of sculptural beauties, we turn to another 20th-versus-21st century pairing for a look at the skillful use of materials.
The Oculus Chair CH468, another creation from Denmark’s Hans J. Wegner, represents timeless casual elegance, whether rendered in leather or fabric. From its handmade beechwood frame to its finely executed exterior, this low-slung armchair is as much a masterpiece of form and materials today as it was when it was introduced in 1960.
But the culture of craft didn’t die with the coming of the digital age. It’s constantly renewing. Creative people keep creating, and the ancient concept of craft finds new expression through new inventions and materials.
The SW_1 Lounge chair is one instance of the new, an illustration of 21st century craft. This office lounge, winner of a Best of NeoCon Gold, features a unique combination of materials:
Breathable knit back, which heightens comfort and lightens the silhouette
Upholstered seat, upper back, armrests and lumbar pillow — customizable with a mix of textiles to empower personal expression
Paintable metal surfaces that can be infinitely customized via the Coalesse Color program (for ideas on customization, watch our SW_1 “Create: Craft Your Story” video)
Both the Oculus Chair CH468 and the SW_1 Lounge are the result of careful artistry. Both represent the passion of their creators. The SW_1 Lounge is simply a newer example of how we can solve problems in new ways through the ingredients of craft.
The classic is a catalyst for the new.
Watch this video to learn more about the concepts and processes that gave birth to the SW_1 Collection.
Read more about the ingredients of craft, beauty and material, in our point of view essay “Create – The Culture of Modern Craft”.
