We're always a sucker for a workshop so when Emeco debuted their new chair designed by Jasper Morrison with a metalsmith, we were curious. Inspired by the woven cane brasserie chairs that dot the sidewalks of Paris, the Alfi collection includes a high back chair, a three-seater bench and low back counter stool.
Walking into the pop-up workshop, the waft of something cooking greets visitors, along with a warm welcome from the gregarious and tattooed Josh Fisher, metal craftsman and "Emeco's craft star." Traveling from Hanover, Pennsylvania to Milan, Fisher has the unique distinction of being the first craftsman to make the trip to the Salone del Mobile on behalf of Emeco in the company's 70-year history. At the Emeco workshop, Fisher was busy at work panel-beating sheets of aluminum. He explained that typically, he would work with a wood support but in Milan, he was using a sandbag to shape the seat.
The simplicity of the chair is typical of Morrison's Super Normal style—a flat seat and rounded back is reminiscent of the shape and support of the bistro chair and the an elliptical hole in the back for easy transport. The production version of the collection is created with 100% reclaimed post-industrial waste—92.5% polypropylene combined with 7.5% wood fiber. Amish craftsmen create the bases made of locally-sourced ash wood. Morrison gave his stamp of approval, saying, "It's one of the most comfortable chairs I have designed."
In Milan, Fisher was creating a handmade aluminum version of the chair to show the company's commitment to craftsmanship and detail. And what was cooking? As part of theme of "Eat me! Drink me! Tell me that you love me!" Wallpaper* brought out chef Fergus Henderson of St John, Morrison's favorite restaurant, to provide nourishment for Fisher and other hard-working Salone attendees (including design journalists). Henderson was busy assembling pizzas featuring his signature ingredient, bone marrow, a spin on an Italian classic.
Emeco Workshop in the Wallpaper* Arcade is on view now through April 18th at via San Gregorio 43.
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Comments
That's not Fergus Henderson! That's chef Arnold Hoeksma - also from St. John Restaurant, but not the man himself!
Thanks for the correction, Kitty!