Lot 232: MARTINO GAMPER

A COLLECTION OF WORKS FROM THE ‘BENCH YEAR’ SERIES FROM THE LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL Lots 232–235 In 2012, the London Design Festival collaborated with Established & Sons to commission a group of unique benches to mark a decade of the Festival. The ‘Bench Years’ series was a collaboration of international designers who were individually matched with ten material suppliers and tasked with the creation of a bench. The benches were exhibited in the John Madejski Garden at The Victoria and Albert Museum throughout the duration of the festival. Four benches from the series are included in the auction.
Unique 'Infinity' bench, for 'Bench Years', commissioned by the London Design Festival
Produced by the American Hardwood Export Council, (AHEC) CAMBIA thermally modified lumber donated by Northland Forest Products, thanks to Morgan Timber in collaboration with Established & Sons, UK. Production of 2 plus artist's proof.

89 x 308 x 48 cm (35 x 121 1/4 x 18 7/8 in)

Thermally modified American red oak, soft maple, ash, yellow birch and tulipwood.

2012

'Bench Years', London Design Festival, The John Madejski Garden, The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 14-23 September 2012

The ‘Infnity’ bench is inspired by the Italian concept of autoprogettazione (translated as self-made). Brought to life by Italian designer Enzo Mari, it aims to produce superior quality, functional furniture with materials in one’s own house. Designer Martino Gamper’s interest in this concept led him to create a work, which celebrates colour, texture and shape through the use of diferent hardwood species. With the support of the American Hardwood Export Council, Gamper has designed a highly functional outdoor bench, featuring a sophisticated patchwork pattern.
The present lot is an individual section of the larger exhibited bench, one section is in the collection of the manufacturer AHEC, the other is owned by Martino Gamper.