‘Re-collection’ is a project inspired by the idiosyncrasies of inherited objects. The outcome is a table and set of chairs, showcasing themes of materiality, re-use and memory.
Each material and form in the final design is inspired by a series of ‘Object Biographies,’ where individuals were interviewed about their most cherished objects and narratives, quirks and memories were revealed. The unique qualities discovered in these objects, inspired an exploration into a range of tangible and intangible elements. With a central theme of sustainable practice, found materials and objects and repurposed materials from existing furniture are incorporated into the final design.
Hidden transcriptions are engraved onto the underside of each vegan leather seat. The marquetry on the table and chairs tells a story of personalisation and reuse, made with the reclaimed mahogany from an antique headboard. The dowels supporting the seats of the chairs were reused from the legs of an old sewing table and the mechanism within the table is repurposed from an existing metamorphic table, still bearing the rust from its previous life. These idiosyncrasies within ‘Re-collection,’ are an abstraction and celebration of the intricate relationships between humans and our cherished objects.
View the full project folio here: 'Re-collection Folio.'
To craft the final outcome, various woodwork techniques were used such as wood turning, steam bending, marquetry and planing. To create the seats, the leather was laser engraved and hand sewn. The metal elements were crafted from steel sheets, rolled and welded. Each element was crafted with care to reflect the qualities analysed in the ‘object biographies’ and explored in the ‘idiosyncra-studies’. The restoration and reuse of existing furntiure was carefully executed to extend material life-cycles.
Awarded to the project :
DJCAD, Interior Design Legacy Award (2025)
DJCAD, Research Award (2025)
Scottish Interior Design Student’s Showcase, Futures Prize (2025)
project videos.
the design process:
the making process: