A detail could be a an articulated skirting board that reflects other woodwork in the space or the architecture of the building; it could be the choice of trimming on a sofa that is echoed elsewhere in the room; it could be an exquisite level of craftsmanship in exacting joinery work or likewise the consistent use of metal finishes such as brass or polished nickel. The possibilities of detail are infinite.

It is the detail that client’s pay for when employing an interior designer. Many people, through no failing of their own, do not have the time or inclination or knowledge to work in this way and create a complex interior themselves. A reputable interior designer does and has enough creativity, knowledge and understanding of detail as well as access to a wealth of suppliers that are unknown to the general public .

Here IM share with you a recent finding and an excuse to spend some money on detail: Paul Belvoir as well as other knobs for reference and comparison. You will see what we mean by detail and they are sold through Gordon Watson on the Pimlico Road, London.

Paul Belvoir Cupboard Knobs. Far right - our favourite, a rounded rock crystal cupboard knob on a brass support. approx. 22mm diameter.

The picture below shows a larger selection of cupboard knobs finished in the semi-precious gemstones, malachite, lapis lazuli (otherwise known as ultramarine), rock crystal, pink quartz as well as frosted glass and light to dark bronze.

The rock crystal knobs would be a perfect splash of glamour to a bathroom cabinet or wardrobe with the ivory tones reflected in the sanitaryware and potential use of a pale marble on the floor and/or walls. A light bronze detail could then be echoed in brass wall lights flanking a smart mirror and brass bathroom fittings.

Larger selection of cupboard knobs by Paul Belvoir

Artichoke door knob by Paul Belvoir

You can have some fun on all the doors in your home. Why not think about using a traditional shape with an unusual detail such as this door knob by Paul Belvoir (see above). You could use a more traditional period door knob as pictured below – in fact those pictured are all fantastic quality supplied by Beardmore, Fulham Road, London.

Handles by Beardmore

Below are some more handles by Paul Belvoir

      

Amethyst and Bronze door knob by Paul Belvoir

Amethyst and Bronze door knob by Paul Belvoir

Another bronze door knob by Paul Belvoir

Another bronze door knob by Paul Belvoir

Drummonds do some interesting period door knobs and door levers. Here is one to compare with the Paul Belvoir knob – it comes in chrome, antique bronze, antique brass and polished brass.

Berran door knob by Drummonds

It was this photograph of the Locanda Locatelli  Restaurant on Seymour Street in London that first inspired the article. The interior was designed by David Collins Studio and the horsehair supplied by John Boyd Textiles who have been weavers of horsehair since 1837.

John Boyd Horsehair Panels at Locanda Locatelli Restaurant

Fabric walling is a fantastic choice for a restaurant, or indeed any space where people congregate, as it has good acoustic insulation qualities and gives the space a luxurious feel.

At the Locanda Locatelli the designers made great use of horsehairs naturally short width and its horizontal texture when plain woven. This horizontal texture gives the room an air of solidity and draws your eye along the expanse of stylish banquet seating. At the same time the vertical format of the panels maintains the illusion of a greater ceiling height. Overall, a great success we think.

Here are some more images of the use of horsehair, not just for interiors… we hope you are inspired!

Horsehair and Handbags

Horsehair wall panelling

A more traditional use of horsehair at the Pump Rooms, Bath

Staircase at a Private Residence

From Luke Irwin – London – we love this rug.

Beautiful colours in this Rug by Luke Irwin

Detail of our favourite Luke Irwin Rug at Decorex this year!

There are two great wallcovering suppliers we spotted that are worth a mention.

Biden Designs – London – specialists in textured Washi wallpaper.

The ivory colourway (below) is perfect for most interior spaces. I would like to see it in a dressing room with silk curtains or perhaps in a stylish and eclectic modern entrance hall.

Biden Designs Wallpaper

The darker colourway (below) would be perfect in a sitting room, study or library where natural light plays a smaller role than well considered ambient lighting. Lit from above, the angled shadows, would create an interesting dynamic pattern on the wall.

Wallpaper by Biden Designs

Elitis sold through Abbot & Boyd displayed some of the most innovative and exciting wallpapers we have seen in ages. Finding suppliers like this is the reason Decorex is such a popular fair amongst trade customers. Have a look at these vinyl – looks like paperbacked silk – wallcoverings. Take our word for it their website is definitely worth a visit!

Elitis/Abbot & Boyd Wallpaper

Elitis/Abbot & Boyd Wallpaper

As far as luxury furniture design goes, the collaboration between Bill Cleyndert and Douglas Mackie was extremely exciting to see. They have taken interesting surface finishes, exceptional craftsmanship and applied it to very elegantly shaped furniture.

Coffee Table with Tiger's Eye and layered polished resin top and metal base

Bedside table with red leather interior lining

Decorex 2012 this year has been thoroughly worthwhile and if you have the opportunity to go, you should!

Born in South Africa of a nomadic Austrian mother and English father, Toyine travelled the world with them. Their travels exposed her to the beauty of different cultures, individual tastes and colours.  Toyine read Architectural Studies at Parsons School of Design in New York and after graduating from there the influences of her explorative childhood became increasingly evident in her work and are still apparent in her weaves today.

Indi in caramel hues with an accent of aqua blue

Twenty years on, interior designer Toyine Sellers, after handling many high end residential and commercial projects of her own, went to work for the renowned Architect Peter Marino. She explained to us that she is grateful to him for opening her eyes to the world of custom material design and the global network of talented artisans with the skills to create them.

After leaving NY, she launched the Phinda Ré Fabric Collection in 2010. Her collection has a certain Chanel imprint with great texture and metallic twinkle. She attributes this to her years designing their boutiques under Peter Marino, which IM thinks is just fabulous! Imagine a Chanel jacket on your armchair- have you heard of anything more chic?!

Detail of Phinda Re - evocative of a Chanel Fabric

Within a year, Toyine had founded her first Atelier of Texture & Design. It came about when she stumbled upon an old atelier with traditional looms on the verge of closing down and its weavers with special know how.

Now she is working with hand weavers in Sweden and France, using their experience and skills to create her hand woven art rugs.

Vandra rug hombre

We interviewed Toyine to get an insight into her company and attitude to design.

IM: How much does the fashion industry influence your designs?
TS: A fair amount as after designing Chanel Boutiques texture and metallics became part of me if they weren’t already. When I started designing the fabric collection, I wove by chance with someone who designed couture fabrics for Chanel as well. Her atelier was like a dream come true for me! There were 1000′s of yarns to choose from and I was in heaven!  As a result, my fabric collection has many of these fashion yarns in it and I think they are fabulous!

IM: What are clients asking more and more of lately? Have you noticed any particular commission trends?
TS: Metallics, thank goodness, are becoming more popular! I remember my first year, Alberto Pinto asked me if I was designing a collection for night clubs and others told me that without the sparkle the fabric would be quite spectacular. Over time, I have seen the attitude change and though we can easily produce the fabric with or without the sparkle, I receive fewer requests to leave it out. I am quite happy about that.

Detail of Phinda Re in brown, beige, white and gold metallic thread

IM: Is there a recent commission that you are particularly excited about?
TS: Some of my clients prefer to remain anonymous and I respect that, so without naming names, I have created a magnificent woven leather fabric for the walls of an exclusive fashion boutique in Paris that will open in the autumn. Ivory, beige, gold and black…it’s quite amazing and designed exclusively for this project.
I am also working on hanging tapestry panels for Chahan Minassian’s space in the AD Show House, opening in September in Paris. This is our 3rd year collaborating, he has a wonderful eye and our aesthetics compliment each other!

IM:  Where do you find inspiration? What inspires you the most?
TS: Art and nature are my major sources of inspiration, then my clients as they are always asking me to try new things.

Indi in sage and bright green thread with bold stripes of ivory coloured leather bound by fine grey thread.

IM: What colours and compositions have you been working with most recently?
TS: I always work with color, the stranger the better. l love odd combinations such as turquoise, mustard and black or acid green with olive and turquoise! It changes all the time really, I am a little out of control on that front, but nobody seems to mind!

IM: Have you collaborated with any other designers? If so who and could you tell me a little about that?
TS: I collaborate continuously with my clients. Some order directly from the collection, others ask me to change certain aspects of the designs and then you have those who want a custom piece. They call or email me with their ideas, send me color swatches or images and then they ask me to compose something special. I often call them as we are weaving to ask if they prefer one option or another and email them a picture etc.
What is very flattering and happening more regularly, as clients become regulars and after they understand how we work, is when they say

“Toyine, we trust you…do what you think best”

…and I have not had any complaints. They have called me from job sites to thank me and let me know how amazing the weave looks! These are the types of client relationships I try to build.
I often compare what I do to cooking or being a chef; we have recipes, but when a client requests a special dish, we shop for the right ingredients, then mix the flavours and can spend many hours creating a dish or fabric that sings!

IM: Do you have anything else to say about TOYINE SELLERS: Atelier of Texture and Design?
TS: We are small, exclusive atelier, creating unique work as one has for centuries in Europe. Our weaves are extremely beautiful but often labour intensive. I design for the beauty not really speed and practicality, to the occasional regret of my weavers. If something isn’t right with the warp we must spend a day re-knotting. Most of our fabric is woven a meter an hour – we consider 3 meters per hour fast! We take the time to create magic and when you see it on the loom it makes all the headaches you had to go through to get it right, ALMOST disappear!

We are exhibiting at AD France- Artcurial Exhibition in September and will soon release a Designer Rag Rug Collection with Vandra Rugs in Sweden. We are also upgrading our website, that clients can quickly see the new fabrics, woven leathers and hand woven rugs we create regularly and request samples more easily.

If you would like to know more please contact her directly on +33 670 08 42 01 or go to her website www.toyinesellers.com

The marquee has an exterior cladding like the facade of a Sir Christopher Wren building and inside there are row upon row of well curated stands by the worlds most respected dealers. It goes without saying that we were mostly interested in what you can acquire to fill your home rather than your garage or wine rack but none-the-less it was an interesting visit.

The Masterpiece 2012 marquee

Here are our favourite interior items from the show.

From Sebastian Barquet - specialists in rare American and European post-war 20th Century design

Stand: Sebastian + Barquet. Vintage Armchairs

Stand: Sebastian + Barquet. Nest chair made of welded half dollars

From Sinai & Sons – 19th & 20th Century Decorative Arts

Stand: Sinai & Sons. ‘Giornali’ A Unique Lithographically and Transfer-Printed Wood and Brass Desk By Piero Fornasetti, circa 1950s

Prints of Piero Fornasetti designs can bee seen everywhere on dinner plates to wallpapered changing rooms which is a shame as it has somewhat diluted the beauty of his designs.  This original desk by the Italian designer caught our eye. Fornasetti loved printing and owned his own printing press and as the Sinai & Sons catalogue describes,

“A piece like the Giornali desk reflects the profusion of the printed word, here shown in a babble of languages, overlapping and melting into one another.”

From Godson & Coles - Fine Art and Antique Furniture

Stand: Godson & Coles. George I period scarlet japanned double domed bureau cabinet

This is an exceptional George I period scarlet japanned double domed bureau cabinet attributed to John Belchier, English, c.1720.

Godson & Coles stand with painting by Merlyn Evans

From Meta - Contemporary designer furniture with a scientific edge

Stand: Meta. Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend Sconce

Stand: Meta. A lantern turned jewel by Matali Crasset

“The Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” lighting range by Meta are made in handblown glass and Paktong metal. Paktong is a unique, non tarnishing metal that is silvered but with a gold hue that first appeared in China in the 12th Century and disappeared in the 19th Century. Meta found a Chinese candlestick from 1720 and decided to recreate this metal for their new designs by Matali Crasset. The team approached Oxford University for the job and subsequently worked with their archaeological material sciences unit and a specialist foundry to recreate this luxurious metal.

We love the energy of this new company and look forward to seeing more designs from them in 2012.

1. Lot 271, Alberto Giacometti AND Diego Giacometti, Lampes bougeoirs. These lamps are made in bronze with dark brown and green patina and both are inscribed with Diego on the base. Diego Giacometti was the younger brother of Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966)- the painter and sculptor – whose work is on show at Tate Modern, London. They shared a studio in Paris and the visual link between Diego who made furniture and Alberto who made art is undeniable. This was the result of their working in close proximity and inspiring one another. The note in the catalogue says these were designed for Jean-Michel Frank in 1935 by Alberto Giacometti. The stamp by Diego implies he made them. Estimate £35,000-50,000

2. Lot 312, A North Italian walnut, olivewood, fruitwood and parquetry commode from the early 19th century. It has two long drawers on tapering legs. The handles are a later addition. Dimensions: 94cm H x 127cm W x 60cm D). We love this because of its good proportions and patination. This would be an elegant addition to a bedroom or dressing room and even a large bathroom. Estimate: £2,000- 4,000.

3. Lot 275, A modern giltwood and patinated steel twelve branch chandelier designed by Francoise de Pfyffer. Dimensions: 120cm H x 84cm Diameter. Estimate £1,500-2,500

4. Lot 262, “Substance 272″ by Paul Rotterdam (b.1939). Dimensions 145cm W x 140.6cm H x 7.6cm D). This painting is signed, titled, inscribed and dated and is painted in acrylic on canvas in three parts. This abstract painting could as easily form part of an eclectic interior in a period house as it would a modern architectural space. We love the green! Estimate £6,000-10,000

5. Lot 276, An upholstered daybed designed by Francoise de Pfyffer in the late 20th Century. Dimensions: 81cm H x 216cm W x 79cm D. This daybed has a very elegant shape and would be very easy to introduce to a classically styled bedroom. The loose upholstery exaggerates the shaped arm and back and gives it a relaxed look. Estimate £1,000-1,500

6. Lot 269, Diego Giacometti (1902-1985), Fauteuil a tete de lionnes. It is stamped “Diego” and is made in bronze with golden brown patina with seat cushion covered in a tan/orange leather.  Dimensions: 81cm H x 57cm W x 53cm D. Estimate: £40,000-60,000

7. Lot 261, Yves Klein (1928-1962), Table Bleu made of glass, perspex and blue pigment.  Dimensions: 35.8 x 124.5 x 100cm). This work is from an edition which began in 1963, under the supervision of Rotraut Klein-Moquay based on a model by Yves Klein. A signed certificate accompanies the item.  This is an unforgettable piece of furniture. It must have been a conscious decision to use a blue pigment that matches in colour the most expensive pigment used in the renaissance period, ultramarine. Ultramarine was more expensive than gold until it’s synthetic twin was introduced to the art market. The original pigment is ground from the semi-precious stone Lapis Lazuli. Estimate: £12,000-18,000

8. Lot 277, A parquetry, walnut and wrought iron centre table designed by Francoise de Pfyffer. It has a quarter-veneered square top inlaid with geometric bands on faceted legs decorated to simulate bronze. Dimensions: 74cmH x 120cm W x 120cm D. Estimate: £3,000-5,000

Let us know your thoughts

In no particular order…

MHZ Ltd

Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi Ltd do not have a house style as such just exquisite taste and a deep understanding and knowledge of the history or art, architecture and interiors which they adapt to each client and the architectural language of the building. Initially, MHZ Ltd worked in Britain on historic London houses, National Trust buildings, country houses and private residences with the only difference today being that they work internationally. Their superb style speaks for itself and we adore these three images pictured below.

A Living Room on Eaton Square, London by MHZ Ltd

Modern interior by MHZ td

Dining Room by MHZ Ltd

Rose Uniacke

Furniture restorer, gilder, specialist in paint and lacquer, interior designer, antiques dealer – Rose Uniacke has many strings to her bow and this wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of interiors and furnishings has enriched the style and elegance of her interiors. Interiors Monologue love the freshness of her interiors and the selective use of striking furniture and finishes in bronze, brass, timber and luxury fabrics.

Dining Room by Rose Uniacke

Max Rollitt

Max Rollitt’s company is divided into three mutually complimentary elements; antiques, interior design and bespoke furniture. It is the successful and creative combination of these elements that make his interiors so special. A classically refined yet informal style has become his trademark and Interiors Monologue really admire his choice of furnishings especially his clever use of unexpected and interesting focal colours. We particularly like the deep blue/green velvet sofa at No.1 Fournier Street, London (pictured below).

Drawing Room at No. 1 Fournier Street by Max Rollitt

Entrance Hall Detail by Max Rollitt

Dining Room in a Hampshire Vicarage by Max Rollitt

Soane Interiors as part of Soane Britain

It goes without saying that Soane Britain on Pimlico Road supply some of the best architecturally inspired bespoke furniture, lighting and artefacts. It is therefore no surprise that their interiors are equally sophisticated and interesting. The interiors we have chosen to show here elevate the spirit and demonstrate with great success how one can use bold and bright pattern and colour with luxury furniture and fittings to produce an interior that is both fun, cheerful and at the same time seriously chic.

Sitting Room by Soane Interiors

Sitting Room by Soane Interiors

John Stefanidis.

John Stefanidis, educated in Egypt and Oxford University, set up an architectural and interior design studio in Chelsea in 1967 and has since built a strong reputation for his remarkable and intuitive use of bold and original colour with an eclectic yet comfortable aesthetic. As well as admiring his fantastic eye for interior design, we also want to commend him for his business acumen. Stefanidis has launched a furniture and fabric line and he regularly updates us with his design life blog - The Developed Eye -  that now forms part of the BLOGS WE LOVE list of our website.

Guest Bedroom in Greek Villa by John Stefanidis

Bathroom by John Stefanidis

Master Bedroom by John Stefanidis

John Minshaw

John Minshaw Studio is an architectural and interior design studio that has over 30 years experience in a variety of design & build or renovation projects. The company embraces and takes charge of every detail of the design and build process including applying for planning permission and listed building consent to sourcing fabrics, furnishings and art. No stone is left unturned and their thorough approach to design is evident in their superb projects.

Entrance Hall by John Minshaw

Landing View by John Minshaw

Bedroom by John Minshaw

Despite the common theme these two sales are significantly different with the Sotheby’s sale highlighting the work of Gerrit Rietveld, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Periand and Pierre Jeanneret and George Nakashima to name a few. Our auction edit reflects this…

Sotheby's NY: Important 20th Century Design. Sale 8863

1. Lot 130, Studio Job, “Rock Sofa” in polished and patinated bronze. 69cm high and part of a limited edition of 6. Estimate: $60,000- $80,000.

2. Lot 59, Howard Cook, “Skyscraper”. This woodcut on japan paper is from an edition of 50 (of which only 40 were printed). Signed by artist and imprinted 1929. Dimensions: 48.9 x 24.4cm. Estimate: $10,000- $15,000.

This is a really dynamic woodcut that we have chosen because of the fabulous angles and light effect. These qualities are echoed in our choice of furniture and with all choices being mutually complimentary.

3. Lot 93, Félix Agostini, Pair of sconces c. 1960a in gilt bronze with fabric shades, 166.4cm high. Estimate: $10,000- $15,000.

These are a cracking pair of wall lights with unusual angled shades and great shape. These would look fab either side of an overmantle mirror or likewise either side of a mirror or painting in an entrance hall. There are people who will copy these too and with a set of six or more you could elegantly light a staircase.

4. Lot 80, Thomas Gerrit Rietveld, An important and rare “Aluminium Stoel” c. 1960-62. Dimensions: 69.4 x 50.2 x 50.2cm. This forms part of the focus of this sale for Sotheby’s and you can see why – we’ve said it already but look at the angles and the shape and the style of it. A true collector’s item and estimates in at a mere $100,000 – $150,000.

5. Lot 117, George Nakashima, A “Conoid Low Chair” (c. 1965) made of American black walnut, hickory and fabric upholstery. Dimensions: 86.9 cm high. Estimate: $8,000 – $12,000.

6. Lot 104, George Nakashima, A “Cross-legged” coffee table (c. 1964) with made in East Indian Rosewood. Dimensions: 47.6 x 117.8 x 56.5cm. Estimate: $10,000 – $15,000.

Interiors Monologue featured George Nakashima in the Christie’s sale (mentioned above). George Nakashima produced some of the most naturally beautiful furniture we have seen and we challenge our readers to find better handling of timber.

7. Lot 71, Marianne Brandt, A fine and rare lidded bowl impressed Bauhaus (c.1924). It is silver plated metal with brass mounted details. Dimensions: 8,9cn high and manufactured in the Bauhaus Metal Workshop in Weimar, Germany.

8. Lot 76, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret chaise longue Model no. 2072 (c. 1930s) made using chromium plated tubular steel, painted steel and coated canvas.

So that’s our auction edit of Sotheby’s Sale 8863 in New York –  we hope that you like it. Let us know your thoughts and comments.

Today, we have focused on pieces that resonate on a purely aesthetic and decorative level with show stoppers by George Nakashima and Charlotte Perriand.

Christie's New York Sale, Important 20th Century Decorative Art and Design, 14th June 2012

1. Lot 193. Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999), An “Antony” bookcase c.1954-55. This bookcase was produced by La Cité Universataire d’Antony, manufactured by Les Ateliers Jean Prouvé and made using birch veneer, lacquered perforated aluminium, laquered board and lacquered tubular steel. Estimate $100,000- $150,000

This shelving unit would be fantastic against a wall in an open plan personal office space or used as a room divider. The striking red panels would be a great focal point and would certainly be a good starting point for a visually strong colour sheme.

2. Lot 183. Attributed to Jacques Adnet (1900-1984) – a leader of luxurious French Modernisn in the Art Deco period. A glass and copper table lamp c.1935. Estimate $3,000- $5,000

A little black dress of a table lamp – what would this not go with?!

3. Lot 129. George Nakashima (1905-1990). A walnut wall shelf with “free edge” or “waney edge”. $15,000-$20,000

4. Lot 202. Serge Mouille (1922-1988), A “Lampadaire Simple” floor lamp c.1953. Estimate $6,000- $8,000.

We love the wall light in this sale too.

5. Lots 127 and 128, George Nakashima (1905-1990). Our show stopper! An important long chair. c.1974 executed specifically for the Japanese House of Governor and Mrs. Nelson A. Rockefeller, designed by Junzo Yoshimura, Pocantico Hills, New York. Made in walnut with cotton webbing. Estimate $30,000- $50,000

These are so desirable and chic. Need we say more?

6.  Lot 130. George Nakashima (1905-1990). A “Frenchman’s Cove II” dining table, 1980 made in walnut with three Indian rosewood keys. 71.1 cm high, 182.9 cm wide, 139.7 cm deep and signed GEORGE NAKASHIMA SEPT 1980 and MARKS. Estimate $30,000- $40,000

We welcome your comments. Do you have other items you would add to this? Let us know!

Today, Interiors Monologue would like to focus on the Klismos Chair, born in ancient Greece in a time commonly referred to as Classical Antiquity (8th century BCE to 6th century AD) and the various design interpretations of it that exist today.

A concise history of the Klismos Chair can be found on Wikipedia but in summary:

• The chair can be found on painted pottery and bas-reliefs from mid 5th century BCE.

Klismos chair on an ancient Greek tombstone. Photography taken from Wikipedia

• In the early 18th century the Klismos style of chair is widely found in Paris made by Georges Jacob. It can be found in paintings by Jacques Louis David from this period as well.
• In London a century later Thomas Hope designed a set of Klismos chairs. He was a Classical Antiquity enthusiast.
• The simple and elegant form of the Klismos chair had a re-birth in the 1920s during the Art Deco period.
• In the 1960s the renowned furniture designer T. H Robsjohn Gibbings designed and instigated an accurate interpretation of the ancient original. (see chair no. 5 below) that is really coveted today by collector’s’ worldwide.

Interiors Monologue have found some really special chairs that hark back to or are a creation of the perceived original.

Top picks of Klismos inspired chairs

CHAIR 1. This is the Sara Bond Chair from the Private Collection of Paco Camus. The company aptly describes the chair as a “barefoot maiden dressed in the protocol of modernity”. The chair has exaggerated joints which we love but speaks that language of the Klismos in it’s woven seat and concave back.

CHAIR 2. This is The Winston chair from Lamberty Bespoke.  We love the red leather and American walnut finish on this particular chair but if this didn’t suit your scheme they offer a range of different materials and finishes including English walnut and ebony and other colour leathers. Despite the upholstery it is clear that the Klismos concave back and  angled back legs has been a source of inspiration albeit exaggerated in form.

CHAIR 3. This stunning chair is by the designer Paul Mathieu who works using polished bronze. The Aira Chair as it is called is part of the Ralph Pucci International collection. This is extremely beautiful and extremely pricey but sometimes needs must and a splurge on this would be an investment on a timeless piece for you and future generations.

CHAIR 4. We have mentioned Stuart Scott Associates in a previous post. The Isabella Dining chair (pictured) is no exception to his wonderful new collection. The interpretation of the Klismos chair is clear.

CHAIR 5. The last but by no means the least of our favourites is designed by T.H Robsjohn Gibbings and forms part of the history of the Klismos chair and resembles the original most closely. In 1960′s, he collaborated with the Greek cabinetmakers Susan and Elftherios Saridis to recreate this chair with great accuracy at a time when he was encouraging formality in interior design to give up its seat (excuse the pun) in place of individual expression in interior design/decoration. The light and elegant frame with splayed sabre legs, central splat supporting a concave backrest with a seat of leather strapwork is now iconic. 1st Dibs can direct you to a number of dealers who specialise in Robsjohn Gibbings furniture.

It is not difficult to find reproductions of the Klismos Chair, what is important is to recognise the exceptional work of others who have like many before, taken inspiration from the past to create something exciting and great.