New designers in the SCP family, Grant Wilkinson & Teresa Rivera, very kindly agreed to write a guest post for us, one which gives an insight into their thinking and the working process behind "Of Nature", a limited-edition series of four new chairs.
‘Of Nature’ is a limited-edition series of four chairs designed as a study of action reflected in a still object. Each chair functions as a suggestion of movement, as if having been frozen in time.
We approached the project with the intent to make four interpretations of the same chair; differing in style, manufacturing process, and species of timber.
We procured our timber from Saunders Seasoning, who specialise in the sustainable sourcing of felled timber, which would otherwise be used for firewood or chips.
"We approached the project with the intent to make four interpretations of the same chair; differing in style, manufacturing process, and species of timber."
Teresa Rivera
The purpose of making four of the same chair was to establish a common denominator, with overall dimensions and form established early on. In doing so, we could set our focus on playing with process to convey movement. For our control subject, we found inspiration in 19th century’s Arts & Crafts joinery and the negative space prevalent in the Brutalist movement of the 1950s. We are often drawn to periods which value honesty in material and construction. The chairs are constructed using hand-cut joinery made strong using traditional hide glue.
Each chair touches upon traditional woodworking processes: steam-bending, woodturning, and carving – actions themselves whose essences we hoped the chairs would absorb.
Puffed provides a playful illusion of an inflation, giving the timber a cushioned feel. We often explore illusion in our work, creating forms which feel unlikely to be made of solid wood.
The chair’s wide surface serves in showcasing our choice in timber – Spalted Beech. We chose a Spalted Beech for its character and to highlight the character nature can give to timber. The spalting is the result of a fungi colonising the tree for nutrients, leaving behind marks throughout the wood’s grain.
Puffed was made in Spalted Beech from Hastings, Sussex.
Wilted is the most natural, in form and manipulation. Our aim was to create soft curves throughout the chair. Steam bending was our chosen method, as it is a natural, non-toxic solution to creative bends in wood, without loss of material.
We soaked green timber to prep it for steam bending. Timber is described as ‘green’ when it has been recently cut and left in its original state.
"Our aim was to create soft curves throughout the chair. Steam bending was our chosen method, as it is a natural, non-toxic solution to creative bends in wood, without loss of material."
Grant Wilkinson
Steam bending is a natural process which renders timber pliable. Steam loosens the ‘glue’ holding timber’s cells together, allowing it to be shaped around a former, pictured above. We use a hand wound winch to wrap the timber around the former and hold it in shape with clamps.
Wilted was made in London Plane from Stoke Newington, London.
Whipped is focused on carving. We were inspired by intricate shapes we kept seeing in ceramics. Having already explored twisted forms in our work, we liked to invoke a more delicate feeling with sharper edging.
We turn initial shapes on a lathe using handheld tools and then carve twists using an angle grinder. The result prompted nostalgia of childhood treats – Mr. Whippy ice creams, whipped cream from a can.
Whipped was made in Yew from Odiham, Sussex.
"We were inspired by intricate shapes we kept seeing in ceramics. Having already explored twisted forms in our work, we liked to invoke a more delicate feeling with sharper edging."
Teresa Rivera
Rippled is a deeper dive into the non-Euclidean processes explored in our Baile collection. Inspired by the look and feel of ribbon, our aim was to create a controlled flowing design.
To achieve these undulating forms, we quarter and reconfigure as stock of wood. The result embodies the deconstruction of the rigid qualities of timber, as we’re permitted to make amazing shapes with minimal loss of material whilst retaining structural integrity.
Rippled was made in Rippled Maple from the Lake District.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Teresa and Grant for taking the time and effort to write this post for us.
Read a full interview with the design duo here, created earlier in the year in the run up to their first product launch with SCP at the Milan Salone del Mobile 2022.
