OBJECT 6

Marc Newson's Wood Chair.

    Now if you’ve been following the OBJECT series in this blog, you’re probably getting the sneaking suspicion that there’s something about chairs and me.  Well, you’re right.  I love chairs. I collect chairs.  Modern chairs.  Concept chairs and sculptural chairs.  Not antiques.  Designer chairs, iconic chairs and art chairs.  Never fake ones or cheap knock-offs, never stuffed ones or one-offs. 
    In May 2001, I was rummaging through one of my favorite design stores in Montreal, Triede Design  in Place d’Youville, when I came across Australian designer Marc Newson’s Wood Chair (also known as Wooden Chair).  It was tucked away in a corner all covered in dust.  It had a price tag on it that said $3500. , $3200. , $2900. , $2500.  Canadian dollars, that is, and the dollar were weak at that time so I pounced.  A Newson Wood Chair today can’t be found for less than $4500. US.

    Now you have to admit this is a beautiful object.  Looking at it from the side, I am reminded of the first letter of the Greek alphabet  alpha or the stylized fish symbol Christians use for Jesus.  Twenty-four strips of steam-bent natural beech heartwood held together by 5 horizontal elements.  The chair is meant to be functional and is rather comfortable as is gives under your weight.  However, I consider my Wood Chair  to be way too valuable and delicate to use on a regular basis so it remains in my category of show chairs. 
    Newson designed this chair in 1988 for an international traveling exhibition called 'The House of Fiction' organized by the Crafts Council of New South Wales, Australia.  Although not originally intended for series production,Cappellini began manufacturing it in 1992. 
    You can view all the photos of my Wood Chair as a slideshow here.

Joseph Froncioni