The Design Culture Webzine

The PK25, or “Element” Chair, by Poul Kjærholm (1951)

Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) began his career working with wood before enrolling at the prestigious Kunsthåndværkerskole in 1949.

It was for his graduation project at this Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts that the young designer created the Element chair, also known as the PK25.

“It is not only the structural possibilities offered by steel that interest me. The way light is refracted on its surface plays an important role in my artistic work. I consider this material to have the same artistic value as wood and leather.” — Poul Kjærholm

Copies: Too Good to Be True

Le Corbusier, Eames, Jacobsen, Knoll, Bertoia, Saarinen or Sarfatti: copies of iconic pieces are everywhere, even when they are not allowed in serious fairs and sales.

Some are well made and can be difficult to identify, which makes vigilance essential.

Patrick et Marie de Gotta Design

C’est une chaise, une simple chaise abandonnée sur un trottoir qui change le quotidien de Patrick, il y a une quinzaine d’années. 

Le futur marchand récupère ce « déchet » et commence à la réparer « pour se vider la tête », raconte-t-il. Il ne le sait pas encore, mais avec cette « rencontre », il met les doigts dans l’engrenage. Très vite, il s’intéresse aux meubles d’hier. Il chine, revend, achète à nouveau et se plonge dans les livres sur l’univers du design. 

The Key Role of the Publisher

Except for prototypes and very specific commissions, designer furniture is usually created to be produced in series.

Once a piece is ready, a publisher finances and organizes its production. This role is central to the history, quality and authenticity of design furniture.

Gli Scacchi: Playful Design by Mario Bellini

Beatrice Brengues, who runs the Modernariato shop in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, talks to us about Gli Scacchi (“the chess pieces”) and its creator, Mario Bellini. This unusual early-1970s design, inspired by the strategic game, was also conceived as a symbol of freedom and innovation.