Archive for February, 2009

Marc Newson: Designer of the most expensive chair in the world

“Marc Newson is an industrial designer whose imagination knows no bounds. He has created everything from the iconic Lockheed Lounge chair – the most expensive piece of furniture by a living designer ever to sell at auction – to coat hangers, dish drainers and vibrators. His latest and most audacious project is a suborbital jet that just might be the future of long-distance travel.

In this profile, Marc Newson talks to Alan Yentob about his inspirations, thought processes and designs. He remembers when, aged just 23, he sculpted the Lockheed Lounge from a piece of foam in a frenzied few days. “It felt like a monumental moment.” He couldn’t get rid of the Lounges back then. Today, with just thirteen in existence, they are one of the most sought-after collectors’ items in the world.” via BBC

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Category: Design

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By Melanie Carlson

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Julius Shulman – The man who defined L.A.

Photograph by Dan Winters

In the January 2009 issue of Los Angeles magazine, executive editor Mary Melton profiles renowned architectural photographer Julius Shulman in 36 exposures.

“When Julius Shulman snapped what is perhaps the most famous picture ever taken of Los Angeles, could he have imagined, could any of his subjects have imagined, that a single image would encapsulate the promises, hopes, and dreams of L.A.’s future—and conjure our fantasies of its past?”

Architect Pierre Koenig’s Case Study House No. 22, also known as the Stahl House, was unlike anything ever constructed, and Julius made it famous with his photograph. Read the whole Los Angeles magazine article.

Category: Architecture

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By Melanie Carlson

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Identify This!

One of our readers sent us photos of this fantasic chair, and we’re hoping you can help us identify it. So far we have narrowed it down to an American made, custom office chair circa early 60s.

Can you do any better than that? Let us know in the comments section!

Also, if you’d like to be on our expert panel for future Identify This! furniture pieces, let us know. We’ll be happy to highlight your expertise!

Category: Identify This!

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By Melanie Carlson

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Palm Springs Modernism Show

The Palm Springs Modernism show was nothing short of amazing. From the M Modern exhibit of Shag paintings to an über-opulent bed designed for Dean Martin by Charles Hollis Jones, we were surrounded and inspired by mid-century modern goodness. All the exhibitors were fantastic and we hope to write about them soon, but in the meantime we’ve compiled our top 5 favorites so you can check them out!

Vintage Modern | website
San Francisco, California

Vintage Modern was a gem of a find at the show. They had 2 particularly beautiful teak desks – one of which sold immediately, the other is still available. Their prices are great, and the owner Josie is really down-to-earth and friendly and willing to talk through all the details of any piece they have in their store.

AK Eleven 14 | website
Venice, California

We have a soft spot for AK Eleven 14 because the shop is in our neighbourhood and Ken Erwin, the owner, really loves what he does. All of the pieces in his store are in pristine condition, and if you’re a serious collector then this is the shop to check out.

Urban Burp | website
Oakland, California

For anyone who has ever had to re-upholster a vintage piece, you’ll understand our excitement at finding this store. They have a large collection of rare and vintage fabrics as well as re-issued patterns. Not only can they supply you with the fabric, they also offer upholstery services and advice on what fabric will work best for your project.

Sputnik Modern | website
Dallas, Texas

Sputnik Modern has a really comprehensive selection of American mid-century design. The Knoll daybed and cube side tables were our favorites. The owner was really friendly and explained a lot about each piece, so if you’re interested in mid-century modern, and you’re in the Dallas area, you have a valuable resource at your door. Take advantage of it!

PCH Modern | website
Carson, California

The oak ball chair and ottoman was the piece that drew us to their booth but the conversation with the owner’s father made us stay! They also had some of the best examples of pole lamps that we’ve ever seen. We could tell they really love the hunt to find great retro vintage pieces, so you don’t have to go through the hassle.

We’d love to hear about your favorite mid-century modern stores, so let us know about them!

Category: Events

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By Melanie Carlson

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Eero Saarinen – how he shaped the future.

Finnish-born Eero Saarinen really shaped the future of design with his gravity-defying, space-age, sinewy forms in both industrial design and architecture. His untimely death cut short a fabulous career, and deprived us of more of his groundbreaking design. Read his biography here.

Written by Katherine Raz at Back Garage.

Category: Lushpad

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By Melanie Carlson

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January’s Give-Away Winner!

Congratulations to Erika Oman for winning Lushpad’s January Give-Away of a jetset hanging mobile by Atomic Mobiles. Erika has a long history in design and furniture having worked for a specialty auction house for a number of years. She’s now hosting Designer People, a new show on Ovation TV. The show sounds really exciting and we’ll keep you up to date on its progress.

Lushpad’s February Give-Away is a 2 year subscription to Modernism Magazine. I remember the first time I found an issue of Modernism. I was in mid-century modern heaven. It is a really great, great magazine if you’re interested in design, architecture, and mid-century modern – check out their online edition to see what I’m talking about!