Period Passion/Contemporary Confidence
Otto Wagner, the prominent Viennese architect put it thus: 'Every new style arises gradually out of the previous one, in that new forms of construction, new materials, new human needs and attitudes link up with the previously existing to produce new creations".
Using the essence of a past philosophy is a creative starting point of discovery and as someone said to me recently: "it's about an informed use of historical references that enables the creation of something new". So while it is important that a thematic does not become trapped in a historical language; go for it.dare to try something a little different!
The World Quartet Table
Solid sycamore carcass with red and orange stained bolivard crown and white stained lace-wood. Two shallow drawers under. Hand-turned sycamore drawer pulls.
Dimensions: W 800 x D 400 x H 760 mm
"The premise was to bring into conjunction a classically strong three-dimensional shape (an early 19th century Regency consort table) with equally strong two-dimensional graphics (a 20th century Coca-ColaŠ can). The concept was developed in order to explore the juxtaposition of seemingly incompatible elements and to break free of the notion that classical and popular icons cannot, or should not, be mixed. The design union deftly avoids pastiche while at the same time celebrates duality."
Consort Table
Walnut bow-fronted consort table with oak and walnut burr inlay to drawer front and top. Single drawer with cedar bottoms. Available in clear lacquer or oiled finish. Hand-turned oak door/drawer pulls.
Dimensions: L 715 mm x D 500 mm x H 750 mm
"This walnut and oak consort table commission took its dual inspiration from the simple lines of American 19th century shaker furniture and married them to interpretations of a late 18th century French boudoir dressing table. The combination is not at first obvious but the result is a synergy of elegance from opposite ends of the design spectrum."
The Deco Table
Black walnut and sycamore construction with olive ash and walnut burr detailing. Single drawer and shelf. Hand-turned drawer pull.
Dimensions: W 400 x D 400 x H 510 mm
"Taking the Art Deco style as a starting point, this design was developed as a stylistic departure from current themes and further explores the notion of 'eclectic' within Mark Cranfield's credo of Essence, Evolution, Elegance.
Deco was essentially an eclectic style drawing from a multitude of cultural influences. Its seemingly quixotic mix of exotic materials and new industrial processes of the machine age have made it a period of design rich in diversity and contradiction. These twin side tables evoke a sense of that era with their stark colour contrast of black walnut against pale sycamore and the delicate use of olive ash and walnut burr veneers. The synergy of essence and evolution enables this design to suit the contemporary demand for clean lines and individual style."
Cherry Corner Table
American cherry corner table with left handed pivoting drawer. Hand made solid brass fittings.
Dimensions: W 380 mm x D 380 mm x H 800 mm
"Sometimes the best designs come from the most simple of briefs. Here the requirement was to create a small side table to grace the hall of a new house in Dorset. In fact the design for the table came before the house - and a space made especially for it when the architect drafted the plans!"
Study Desk
Marcasser ebony and green bolivard veneered desk with four oak lined drawers. Metal stand in epoxy coated colour.
Dimensions: W 450 mm x D 450 mm x H 900 mm
"This desk had to fit into a space already full of iconic design from the late 18th century through to the 1930's. By taking a 1950's shape and giving it a very 21st century finish this otherwise practical study desk managed to hold its own"