An overview of the Grove and Constructivist tables, designs that display Matthew Hilton's talent for both technical mastery and aesthetic balance.
To gather some understanding of the new designs, we spoke to Matthew Hilton about the development of the Grove dining table for SCP. Grove has been created with the idea of creating a comprehensive table system, which needs to be both adaptable and visually pleasing in many different sizes.
As is typical from Matthew Hilton, Grove is of good scale and has a certain poise to it. Matthew explains the reductionist process behind the final design:
“We tried to reduce a table down to its essential elements. We found that simplifying the design language actually increases the versatility of the design, offering a vast range of configurations with different shaped tops, lengths, widths and heights based on simple geometric rules.”
"We tried to reduce a table down to its essential elements. We found that simplifying the design language actually increases the versatility of the design."
Matthew Hilton
Once a set of basic principles had been set for the design, it was then a case of finding the right aesthetic and working through all of the practical and technical issues.
“At first glance the table looks like a top with four legs in the corners, but concealed underneath is a complex joint that makes it all possible. The combination of a metal plate with custom fittings creates an extremely strong connection that is only visible from underneath.”
This hidden core strength at the heart of the design is something that should allow the table to work in many situations for a range of different purposes.
"At first glance the table looks like a top with four legs in the corners, but concealed underneath is a complex joint that makes it all possible."
Matthew Hilton
The second table is a very different piece, both in terms of the technicalities of the design, but also of the concept behind it.
Constructivist is sculptural design that takes inspiration from Constructivism. Of excellent proportion, it allows for multiple functions, whether as somewhere to display an object or vase, or place things in daily use, or as a small bookshelf.
In many ways this design harks back to early works from Hilton, acknowledging his passion for sculpture while displaying his lightness of touch.
Thanks to Matthew Hilton for the time and information.
Find out more about Matthew Hilton on our Designer pages.
