Features the exhibition opening at Rundetårn, Copenhagen.

Designed as part of the GlobalMadeLocal project and exhibited at SE Fifty fifty.

The Allerød Slant stacking chair is a solid wood chair, designed for single unit production. Developed for the GlobalMadeLocal project. All the angles for a stacking chair that can be made by local cabinetmakers, on a commission.

The Allerød Slant has slanting back legs that enable stacking while creating a dynamic and unique style to the chair. Dinning/conference chair, with upholstery options.

The construction of the chair centers around the seat frame which creates all the necessary angles for the legs and back rest. The frame of the chair in itself, becomes a jig for forming the back rest into a hammock type curve, allowing for ease of single unit production.

Dimensions: W43 x D44 x H90 cm

The inspiration for the Allerød Slant came about from aiming to create a chair suitable for small coffee shops or conferences, where stacking of the chairs is not of up most importance but handy on occasion. The Ø debate in Allerød that I became aware of on my ‘Journey Around the Globe in 80 chairs’ added to inspiring the back slant of the legs, this in turn led to exploring the idea of stacking the chair in an internal stack. PP Møblers closeness to their home town of Allerød, probably lead to their warming to the slanting dynamic form of the chair in the early idea and selection stage.

In relation to the GlobalMadeLocal principal of limiting automation, it was very interesting to create a chair that has a formed back without needing a forming tool. Each chair in its self is, in a sense, at forming tool. Should you ever have the pleasure to visit PP Møbler in Allerød you will marvel at their store of tooling forms for forming compressed wood.

Exhibited at:

SE Fifty Fifty exhibition at Rundtaarn Copenhagen Denmark in 2008.

Design by Jeremy Walton, 2008. developed together with København Møbelsnedkeri.

Designed as part of the GlobalMadeLocal project and exhibited at SE Fifty fifty.

The unit consists of four open shelves and one drawer unit. The unit has a public facade, consisting of a thick veneer of wood. The unit also has a private side where the facade is no longer necessary and the thick (very thick) veneer comes off and acts as a utilitarian object, a pair of step ladders.

Above photo by Jeppe Gudmundse-Holmgreen

The removable steps have a wooden hinge and is credit to cabinet makers Kim and Søren of København Møbelsnedkeri. The design is developed in a way that it can be shared between cabinetmakers. In this case it presents some challenges for cabinetmakers to get their teeth into. Kim and Søren asured me that cabinetmakers would also like to make furniture that presents them a challenge and allows them to use some of their skills.

The inspiration for the Utilitarian veneer came about in relation to my journey ‘Around the globe in 80 Chairs – Islands Brygge’ part of the GlobalMadeLocal project.

Inspired by the restoration of the old industrial buildings that expose the charm of our working and utilitarian roots, set against the shiny facades of the developing quarter. Here space is at a primium and if you can’t fit a pair of step ladders in a broom cupboard then fit the broom cupboard into the step ladders.

The original piece was made in conjunction with the Danish SE exhibition (Cabinetmakers Autumn Exhibition). Due to this,  it was decided to use smoked oak wood throughout the construction of the piece, with laminate on the private exposed areas of the shelving. The principal of the piece is a public veneer becoming a private utilitarian ladder. Different cabinetmakers may opt to use different woods and veneer.

When the thick veneer is removed, it leaves exposed a secondary non finished wood. Similar to the effect of opening a drawer on a chest of drawers, where the outside of the unit is veneered for public presentation and opening the the drawers is a private affair.The more extreme the variation in the finish, the better. In relation to the SE exhibition, I could not convince Kim and Søren the cabinetmakers to use chipboard for the internal private wood. This piece evolved into an exhibition piece and due to the complex wooden hinge and special drawer inlays becomes a specific piece of furniture that will be in the GML Grandie registration category. I have together with Kim and Søren worked out a simpler version on the same principal. We hope to add this to the collection in the not to distant future, together with a Utilitarian veneer - step cupboard, clothes horse cupboard, step chair.

]]> http://www.walton.dk/walton/exhibition/se-fifty-fifty/utilitarian-veneer/feed/ 1 http://www.walton.dk/walton/exhibition/se-fifty-fifty/shelving-beams/ http://www.walton.dk/walton/exhibition/se-fifty-fifty/shelving-beams/#comments Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:54:23 +0000 admin http://www.walton.dk/walton/?p=174 Design by Jeremy Walton, 2008. Developed together with København Møbelsnedkeri.

Designed as part of the GlobalMadeLocal project and exhibited at SE Fifty fifty.

From the larger area of the room the beams look to be rough beams, while on the inner sides the beams is open shelving suitable for books, compact discs and ornaments. The beams are quirky sculptural elements that play with the charm of architectural elements normally found in old buildings, while having a functional use and utilising overhead space in a non-heavy practical way.

The horizontal shelving Beams are mounted from wall to wall into a corner. One length fits all, the beams go into the wall at 45 degrees so they align themselves and fit any corner.

The inspiration for the beams came about in relation to my journey ‘Around the globe in 80 Chairs – Islands Brygge’ (Find out more in the gallery). Inspired by the restoration of the old industrial buildings in the area along side the new buildings that are short of the odd charming construction element.

The shorter inner beam can also be positioned ceiling to wall as a – ‘flying beam’

Above photos by Jeppe Gudmundsen-Holmgreen

See more images on GlobalMadeLocal

A concept in progress by Jeremy Walton 2008.

GlobalMade Local is a concept, or a working theory, that developed through a 50/50 collaboration between Jeremy Walton and the cabinetmakers at PP møbler for the SE 2008 Fifty Fifty exhibition. The ideology is still in progress, slowly.

If you like the idea of it, or would like to be a part of it, get in touch for further information.

What is GlobalMadeLocal?

GlobalMadeLocal is a global furniture collection that is made locally. It is a community of cabinetmakers (and designers) that share design knowledge to form a global collection of furniture pieces. The GlobalMadeLocal Collection stems from the collaboration of designers and cabinetmakers from all over the world. The final production of each piece is made locally to the customer who is commissioning the piece, irrespective of where the piece was originally developed.

The GlobalMadeLocal idea came about through the 2008 theme for SE (The Danish Cabinetmakers Autumn exhibition). The theme for the 2008 exhibition was to partner designers together with producers from the outset. This was done by drawing names out of a hat. The exhibition theme was named 50/50, exactly how the members of SE interpreted the theme was up to each pair.

PP Møbler and myself (Jeremy Walton) were paired together. The result of our 50/50 project is not a single piece of furniture but a common ground, a combination of both parties, 50/50. The result GlobalMadeLocal.

I worked together with PP Møbler the previous year and have for a long time greatly admired their world renowned ‘collection of unavailable furniture’ built up over half a century. Having already worked on a forward thinking and responsible armchair, (see Danse floor for the homed) that has since been added to PP’s ‘Collection of unavailable furniture’, this year I didn’t feel the need to repeat the accomplishment.

PP Møbler has always given time to exploration. In my view these explorations are not only about quality of materials and craftsmanship, but also the ideas of the different artists in relation to the period of time. So it was no surprise to find PP Møbler being positive about looking at the whole process, the way both the cabinetmakers and designers work together, before thinking about an end result. Today there is more creativity and ideas than there is need or opportunity to tool up and put single ideas in to large scale production.

How can so many ideas become ‘ACollection of Available Furniture’ in the future?

The basis of GlobalMadeLocal is to design furniture that does not need to be selective and reliant on tooling investment. Furniture that can be picked up and made one for one. In that sense why does it need to be restricted to being made in the same place and reserved and protected by one producer?

It is hoped that the concept can work, expand and develop. Yet for the time being GlobalMadeLocal is just a prototype, a response to the theme for the purpose of the SE exhibition taking place in November 2008. It is an example of a different set of parameters and some examples of inspiration created through a response to the new parameters.

If it goes further beyond the exhibition, that will be dependant upon further funding, interest and the commitment of other designers and cabinetmakers to adopt the parameters and the willingness to share.

Development of design Knowledge.

Members, both designers and cabinetmakers work together to develop the design knowledge. There after, the cabinetmakers share the production knowledge so that each cabinetmaker can market a large global collection of furniture and supply it direct to their locality.

It connects people and increases awareness of local cabinetmakers. It offers an alternative way of thinking and a challenge for designers and cabinetmakers. It frees designers of the selective production process, creating an open creative opportunity and more choice for customers. The customers choose what is made. It also avoids the transportation of furniture around the globe and more importantly helps prevent cabinetmakers from getting tennis elbow.

Registration of authenticity.

Each commissioned piece is registered and given an authenticity number that is attached to the piece. The individual authenticity number can be used to reference the information of the individual piece, who originally developed it, where it was commissioned and who commissioned it and when.

The registration of each piece of furniture includes a payment contribution that tracts back to the original developers of the piece. There is a fee structure of G = Grand,  L = Large and M = Medium. Both Medium and Large are fixed prices while Grand is variable. The registration fee is additional to the price of commissioning the piece and is paid by the cabinetmaker.

The first tags 01 to 50 use seqeuntial numbers printing on ear tags, commonly used for the registration of cattle. The type of tags used might change periodically but the number sequence will continue.

Membership.

To become a member one must develop at least one piece for inclusion in the collection. All members can make any of the pieces in the collection. The collection is an open book and is not subject to any limitations or selection panel. Members decide their own criteria for each piece. GlobalmadeLocal aims to encourage and celebrate diversity rather than similarity.

While the creative person may be professional or amateur, the cabinetmaker needs to show suitable qualification as a cabinetmaker to be approved as a member. The creative person just needs to convince a cabinetmaker to work with them. Which is easier said than done.

Active Cabinetmakers.

Cabinetmakers are responsible for how active they are in promoting the collection in their own locality (posters in libraries and articles in local newspapers, etc). Downloadable pdf promotion packs and support is all part of the on going discussion within the GlobalMadeLocal community. Some cabinetmakers such as larger factories may not wish to be so active in taking commissions, but still be interested in developing pieces for the collection. All sale and service takes place between the person commissioning the piece and their local cabinetmaker.

The Collection.

The expanding collection stands as an inspiring assemblage of the freedom of creativity, skill and craftsmanship. All of which can be commissioned should a piece demand it.

The Gallery.

Showcasing and presenting furniture based on themes or projects. Highlighting exhibitions and events in relation to the GlobalMadeLocal way of sharing.

The Community.

Information mainly aimed at members for debate and discussion about the workings of GlobalMadeLocal, cabinetmaking and wood etc.

Representative of Designers. Jeremy Walton

In the summer of 2008 through fate and a chance meeting with PP Møbler, JW began his revolutionary march across the globe, spreading his teachings and recruiting members as he commenced his journey around the globe in 80 chairs.

Representative of Industries. Kasper Holst Petersen. (PP Møbler)

As early as 1955, PP Møbler embraced the more experimental sides to cabinet making – and not least the possibilities of wood, which has been a characteristic for the workshop ever since. In the early days, together with artist, Gunnar Aagaard some highly interesting prototypes were developed. As such, this is the beginning of the extensive developmental work with designers and artists, which has set some remarkable marks in Danish design history.
‘Furniture experiments should not be resigned to be prototypes, they should be available locally and for the people to have the choice of what is made.’

]]> http://www.walton.dk/walton/about-theories-in-process/about-globalmadelocal/about-global-made-local/feed/ 0 http://www.walton.dk/walton/%c3%b8%c3%b8-partners/k%c3%b8benhavn-m%c3%b8belsnedkeri/islands-brygge/ http://www.walton.dk/walton/%c3%b8%c3%b8-partners/k%c3%b8benhavn-m%c3%b8belsnedkeri/islands-brygge/#comments Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:04:22 +0000 admin http://www.walton.dk/walton/?p=1129 Around the globe in 80 chairs, by Jeremy Walton.

GlobalMadeLocal Reaches Islands Brygge.

Islands Brygge has often been referred to as the Manhattan of Copenhagen. It is the home of Københavns MøbelSnedkeri, situated in a road that is probably the last outpost of inner city industry in the area. The lease is short, but while it lasts, the small overlooked road is a charming blot on the landscape of polished glass office buildings and flats that don’t just have parking facilities for cars, but for boats as well.

Islands Bryggeis a developing area along the water edge of Åmagar over looks the skyline of Copenhagen. Already towards the end of the last century most of the industrial buildings were being converted into flats. A few well chosen reminders of industry remain, such as the large metal mooring rings down by the water edge, that are now rusty.

The new flats and office buildings that are taking over the industrial character of the area are to an extent quite refreshing, which is a credit to the new wave of architects. Yet I do miss the texture that, I can’t imagine, all the new glass will ever be able to replace.

On my journey around the globe, I come to the workshop run by Kim and Søren. In their own words they ‘make furniture with Love and Hate’. Kim supplies the love and Søren the hate. It seems to be a good recipe and they are establishing a very nice business. Yet this is no wonder, they are based in the Manhattan of Copenhagen.

Reflected in the glass facade, one can still feel the industrial roots of Island Brygge.

I wonder where all the workers have gone, or have they just changed their boots. I look up at the glass fronted flats and can see the designer furniture in the repetitive windows from the pages of life style magazines. This view is broken up by the occasional room that is full of boxes and utility items. Damn the transparent walls.

The speed at which these flats are developing, makes me wonder, how far have we really come from the reproduction furniture that emulates the high society. A public facade of cherry wood veneer to hide a private woodchip soul.

What happened to the solid functional utilitarian furniture for hard working industrious people?

These new workers need real furniture, as nostalgic reminders of our long forgotten roots.

See shelving-beams and utilitarian-veneer

GlobalMadeLocal Reaches Allerød.

The journey starts in the Danish town of Allerød, or as the locals prefer to write it, Alleryd. [1] There has been much debate in Allerød over the English spelling of Alleryd, with the majority in favour of the spelling that gives the more Danish phonetic pronunciation.
From the start you get the sense, that the people of Alleryd have a high regard for details.

The sound you are hearing is the sound of a battle signal blown on a Lur from Brudevælte, Lynge in Allerød Kommune, taken from a grammerphone recording from 1925. The local instrument is often played in the bustling neighbourhood high street of Alleryd. Quite a charming sound. For more indepth information about the Lur visit Per-Olof-Johansson site and if you can’t hear the sound try this link. Link to sound

I come to Alleryd to meet with Kasper Holst Pedersen who is the grandson of the original founder of PP Møbler or should that be Mybler? No. I actually first met Kasper about 4 years ago at a furniture trade show, He offered me sweets and invited me back to see his new showroom in Allerød. It was about a year later when Kasper was no longer a stranger, that I took up his invitation to visit the showroom.

Stig Colbjørn Nielsen head of tourism in the Allerod area, and actually being based in the neighbouring town of Slangerup, is unaware of any debate in Alleryd over how to spell Alleroed in English. Along with the raging name debate, PP møbler is not represented in any of Allerods local tourist ‘information of interest’. One would think they would value more the presence of that [2] ‘which has set some remarkable marks in Danish design history’.

[1] According to the intriguing local insights of Allerød by the Author Per-olof-Johansson. Thank you for your kind help, words and the image ‘two men playing the Lur in allerød’.

[2] According to the intriguing historical notes on the PP website.

In contrast to PP’s large world renowned collection of unavailable furniture, ‘prototypes’, I think that’s what they refer to them as, I liked the idea of developing a chair that would focus on the ability of a cabinetmaker to complete a single chair in one go. This also lead to the question, why can’t they then share it with other cabinetmakers around the globe and inturn avoid more unavailable furniture, in that lovely collection of theirs. I have my own not so renowned collection of unavailable furniture, so I was very excited about making something that could be real and available.

I like the idea of interior designers specifying a locally made chair for a small cafe or conference room. We are not talking highly functional, but neat, simple, a little bit practical, but in the most part, local and friendly.

The problematic backslash of the Ø in Allerød, the danish letters that are not web friendly, got me playing with a slant. That lead to the slightly strange internal stack which ends up giving quite a unique form to the legs of the chair. These angles are all created by some very simple cutting angles in the main seat frame. The whole chair is made, pretty much, with a rotary blade? ok plus quite a bit of planing the wood down to size. But I have tried to keep all the dimensions simple, round and repeated where suitable.

What I really liked next, is the back element which is flexible ply or steamed wood, held in position by the frame of the chair. It is quite nice to create a curve without the need for any tooling up. The chair frame becomes a form tool in its-self, forming the back rest.

PP believe that the majority of cabinetmakers can also upholster furniture. I have left the choice of fabric up to PP, as the beauty of GlobalMadeLocal offers the customers the chance to tailor the furniture to suit their wishes or maybe their curtains. I now know that I really should have checked out Kaspers curtains before giving him this freedom.

The joints of the chair are done with dowel pins that also have very small wedge angles inserted in them. I love cabinetmakers for that sort of thing, their passion is contagious.

See the Allerod Slant Chair

Start of a long slow journey.

Why do projects need to be completed instantly?

To develope 80 chairs across the globe following the GlobalMadeLocal ideology. Chair is just a term for furniture, they might not always be chairs.

80 pieces working flat out, could take about 8 years to complete, allowing for public holidays. But the chance of working flat out is not an option I have, so I will be lucky if I ever complete the journey, but who is in a rush to finish.