Stephen Philips (British 1969-) for Arup
Set of Three Prototype Chairs, 1992-5
£1,386
Auction: 28 April 2023 at 11:00 BST
Description
neoprene / stretched fabric and steel, comprising the loop lounger; the loop chair; and the forma chair and footstool
Dimensions
The largest chair 97cm high, 50cm wide, 85cm deep (37in high, 19 3/4in wide, 33 1/2in deep)
Footnote
The intention was to create a series that were very comfortable, lightweight and sculptural through experimentation of materials and processes. The ‘membrane’ seat and back elements are made up of flexible Pirelli rubber webbing to take the person’s load. These are hooked into the tubular steel frame. To ensure the sitter doesn’t feel the webbing, soft polyurethane foam and Dacron soften the seat and spread their weight. The covers provide additional comfort.
All were hand made in Stephen Philip's workshop, the result of research and development into lightweight and comfortable seating using the latest materials and making processes available in the 1990’s.
At the time, the seating was featured in various publications, and the design journalist and presenter Michelle Ogundehin featured one of the seats in Blueprint magazine in 1995.