The Deep Connection Between Craft and Architecture
There is a deep and abiding connection between craft and architecture. Craft has the unique ability to add colour, \n texture and material contrast to the built environment – either through scaled application, or via small, considered details. \n We partnered with The Modern House to host a Salon Supper, exploring the depth of this connection. To frame the conversation, architect, Simon Astridge, exchanged ideas and inspiration with furniture designer and maker, Gareth Neal.
\n \nWith this in mind, The Modern House selected six pieces from our current collection, each chosen for their \n material expression, and their ability to build character and distinctiveness into our surroundings. In return, we selected five of their current listings – schemes that build craft and character into every corner.
\n \n \nDesigned exclusively for The New Craftsmen by Gareth Neal, this bench was made in collaboration with Orkney furniture maker Kevin Gauld. Also available as a chair, this striking piece showcases the vernacular straw work of traditional Orkney chairs to stunning effect.
\n \n \n
\n
\n ‘Plank Settle with Leather Seat Cushion’
\n
The PLANK settle is part The New Craftsmen’s COMMON PARTS furniture collection – a range designed in collaboration with the artist and stylist, Sue Skeen, and crafted by Inglis Hall. The PLANK is a modern interpretation of the old English settle, a bench seat originally found in pubs and churches. With a strong but contemporary silhouette, the PLANK is available in plain wood, or painted in one of six distinct colours (pictured here in Douglas Fir with mat lacquer) with a beautiful soft leather cushion pad made by Otis Ingrams.
\n \n \n
\n
\n ‘The Buoy Light’
\n
Akiko Hirai is a talented potter and ceramic artist who makes exceptional tableware. Inspired by utilitarian forms and nautical buoys, The Buoy Light reveals the deeply textured and tactile nature of Akiko’s work. Designed in collaboration with lighting design expert, Claire Norcross, this pendant light was made by hand-turning two separate pieces on a potters’ wheel, joining them, then firing them three times to achieve the cracked white glaze that covers the surface. Small and medium versions of these lights are also available using slip-cast and press mould methodologies.
\n \n \n
\n
\n ‘Celadon Stoneware Tableset ‘
\n
James and Tilla Waters operate from an isolated workshop in Carmathenshire, Wales. Their tableware range embodies the couples’ style and approach – James’ style is meticulous in its attention to detail and Tilla’s character is defined by a restrained use of colour, minimal decoration and textural accents. The result is a collection of clean, unfussy forms with an earthy, traditional quality.
\n \n \n
\n
\n ‘Bathing Accessories’
\n
Taking inspiration from the English coast and contemporary sculptors such as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, Malgorzata Bany has created a range of jesmonite Bathing Acessories delicately capturing the balance between natural and man-made. Creating her own pigments, colours and materials, Malgorzata gives pieces a unique and minimal shape.
\n \n \n
\n
\n ‘Sienna Mobile with Gourd’
\n