Contemporary Culture

How Tom Dixon became a DIY fanboy

Written by Sara Black

What do you get when you mix furniture designer Tom Dixon, graphic artist Morag Myerscough, sculptor Wilfrid Wood and artist Max Siedentopf with timber and screws?

Some fucking incredible chairs. That’s what.

How?

19 Chairs, a delightful Covid-19-related story where graphic designers, Tom and Will Butterfield, unwittingly concepted a craft project like no other.

What?

A simple, two-stager where the Butterfield brothers A) found themselves some 27mm square section timber and 40mm screws then B) got busy designing and building chairs. One a day.

Who?

A chair was posted out to a bunch of inspiring designers including Tom Dixon, graphic artist Morag Myerscough, sculptor Wilfrid Wood, artist Max Siedentopf, hat designer Emma Brewin, artist Helmut Smits, designer James Shaw, artist Antony Williams, fashion photographer Henry Gorse and graphic designer Harry Grundy. All asked to reinvent, re-imagine or redesign their ‘bare’ chair.

Why?

Well, firstly, why not. It’s all sustainable, fun creative stuff but, kicker alert, the ‘19 Chairs’ will be up for purchase with the profits raised donated to Age UK and Resourcing Racial Justice. Two charities in need of extra support due to the world’s unrest.

When?

The boys are keeping their eyes peeled for a few more creatives to jump on board and, then, it’s all go. The reinventing, re-imagining or redesigning begins. Bookmark the website and watch the beauty unfold.