Take a Seat…
A look at the humble chair
“Take a seat” has long been a colloquial request when inviting a guest to a meeting or social gathering
“…the once humble chair has emerged – for the time being, at least – as a thoroughly glamorous object…” George Nelson, 1953.
He has a point don’t you think? This is going to be a brief overview of the ‘not so’ humble chair or more generally the seat. I will pop back to this topic every now and then as something catches my eye.
The diverse array of the seat made since the 1850s is astounding really. Obviously, this will have something to do with the differing shapes and sizes of the human anatomy. But also the various functions that a chair or seat must perform. Everyday seating chair, occassional chair, the ‘don’t sit on that’ chair. Did you find a tired chair in a shop that you wanted to restore?
Designers
Gerrit Rietveld Red/Blue chair
Designers always try to anticipate the concerns and requirements of society, whether something is to be made for a functional purpose, or purely for aesthetics.
This can clearly be seen with the Gerrit Rietveld Red/Blue seat, 1918/1923.This utilitarian ply and beech construction was paired down to a simplified structure in order to attain functional purity. I’m sure it was more comfortable than it looks. I can’t help thinking it looks remarkably like the pallet furniture of today!
Verner Panton Cone Chair – Red
Verner Panton Cone Chair – Blue
Whereas if we jump forward to the 1960s we were entering the space race so everything had to have a touch of the futuristic about it. This included chairs and seats, and gave designers free reins to create anything they could imagine. Enter the Verner Panton, Wire Cone, 1960.
Literally how it sounds, a wire cone frame with a padded round back and seat cushion. Panton was primarily concerned with how he could use new materials rather than what a chair should look like, but in the process created a very aesthetically pleasing design. It has stood the test of time too becoming a Mid-century modern classic, and a must for collectors.
Well, I’ll leave you with that for now. Off to “Take a seat” I think…
Shop Online
All our vintage, restored and bespoke furniture and products are available to buy in our showroom. You can also purchase online from our Etsy and Ebay stores where you will find full details about the item plus prices and prices and delivery.
With the unique nature of most of our items, our range is constantly changing so if you are looking for that special piece or something from a particular period or style, why not come in and have a chat with Jane, or call us on 07902 368360 and we will try and track it down for you.
Bespoke Pieces & Restoration
We specialise in finding furniture and objet d’art to restore to their former glory or repurpose to fit modern tastes and trends. Occasionally we find something so unusual that we just have to create something unique from it. All our finds are interesting and very different, and every piece comes with a history and a story to tell. Jane spends time researching everything that comes through our doors to give you as much information as possible about the items quirkitude.
We also take commissions for specific work. Call us on 07902 368360 and we will be happy to discuss your individual requirements. Please take a look at our Bespoke page.
Explore
Shop Online
All our vintage, restored and bespoke furniture and products are available to buy in our showroom. You can also purchase online from our Etsy and Ebay stores where you will find full details about the item plus prices and prices and delivery.
With the unique nature of most of our items, our range is constantly changing so if you are looking for that special piece or something from a particular period or style, why not come in and have a chat with Jane, or call us on 07902 368360 and we will try and track it down for you.
Bespoke Pieces & Restoration
We specialise in finding furniture and objet d’art to restore to their former glory or repurpose to fit modern tastes and trends. Occasionally we find something so unusual that we just have to create something unique from it. All our finds are interesting and very different, and every piece comes with a history and a story to tell. Jane spends time researching everything that comes through our doors to give you as much information as possible about the items quirkitude.
We also take commissions for specific work. Call us on 07902 368360 and we will be happy to discuss your individual requirements. Please take a look at our Bespoke page.
Explore
Address:
Studio 18,
Christie Street
Industrial Estate,
Offerton,
Stockport,
Cheshire
SK1 4LR
Tel 07902 368360
Email jane@cogsmith.co.uk
Tel 07902 368360
Email jane@cogsmith.co.uk
