With his angular forms and palette of zingy
hues, furniture designer Gavin Coyle is one of the true stars of Walthamstow’s design scene. What’s most striking about his approach is a
constant drive to innovate –
he’s
constantly adding new functional elements to old classics and reimagining
tradition ideas of how a piece of furniture needs to look and work. Take his
Contrail chair for example: instead of conventionally attaching the backrest to
the seat, Coyle’s design perfectly
balances it as an attachment to the arms. It’s a feat of poise and engineering, and its z-shape form looks so
slick. With a collection for iconic design store Heal’s imminent, rest assured you’ll be hearing a lot more about Coyle’s work in the coming months. We caught up with E17’s best kept secret to find out more about
his practice and what to expect from his Art Trail show.
How would you describe your approach to
designing furniture?
I aspire to make furniture which is practical
and beautifully made. My aim is to create products which make strong emotional
connections expressed through unpretentious forms and provide a quiet, enduring presence in the home.
What inspires you?
I don't need to travel too far to be inspired. I'm fortunate to know a diverse range
of craftspeople
practicing in the area, from saddlers, metalsmiths to glassblowers and potters.
Just watching these people work and the techniques they use generates ideas that feeds back into the work I produce.
Tell me about a project that you’re particularly enjoying working on at the moment?
I'm very excited to be working on a range of
tables for Heal’s. The company is
over 200 years old and has a very proud heritage which embraced the ideals of
the Arts and Crafts movement. Even today they are still dedicated to nurturing
the talents of UK based designer-makers.
What is it about wood that makes it a
favourite material?
My dad was a keen amateur woodworker and from an early age I was encouraged to potter about in
his shed and make things. I was fascinated how a seemingly rough piece of timber can be worked to
reveal something beautiful. My fascination with this material has never diminished.
How long has your studio been in Walthamstow
and how does this part of London influence your work?
The practice has been based in Walthamstow for
three years. As a student I was introduced to the ideals of William Morris and
the Arts and Crafts movement so it feels like my spiritual home.
What can people expect if they visit your
studio during the art trail?
Alongside our own work we have an exhibition of
some of the best furniture designer makers from the local area. It’s also a chance to have a peek in our
studio/workshop and have a chat with a few of the makers.
gavincoyle.co.uk
Laura Snoad is a London-based freelance journalist specialising in design, arts and culture.
1 comment:
A 95 year old Walthamstow resident was thrilled that skilled wood craftsmen are once again working on this site as he remembers it being used the same way in the 1920s
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