MAKER TO MAKER
Experimental maker and a well-known name in contemporary British craft, Gareth Neal has specialised in bespoke wood furniture since the 1990s. As an award-winning artisan furniture maker, Gareth strives to combine traditional techniques with digital technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible. He is passionate about respecting the process, understanding the material, and enjoys working collaboratively with others to create bespoke pieces that are celebrated across the world. Gareth currently runs his own progressive design practice in East London. garethneal.co.uk | @garethnealfurniture
いらっしゃいませ
WELCOME The seasons are starting to change. It’s time to embrace new beginnings, cleanse the previous year and welcome Japan’s most notable season: spring! In our latest Journal you’ll discover Japanese interiors, brand new floors and cultural techniques collated to inspire you on your own Japanese journey. The articles are a celebration of East meets West design fusion and demonstrate the rich heritage and influence Japanese techniques and culture have on the landscape of modern British design.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE WHAT YOU DO? Primarily I consider myself a designer-maker. I believe good craft and design stretch beyond learned techniques; I try to ensure my work harmoniously unites traditional and digital techniques to create uniquely crafted pieces. By approaching objects with an understanding of the wider impact they create; where materials are sourced, how something is made to create original, visually interesting, and thought-provoking ideas, whilst being environmentally sound and beautiful. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS? Throughout my career I have continually explored digital manufacturing techniques alongside traditional craft processes, trying to push the boundaries of what these tools can enable and what can be created when the two are used in unison. This balance between craft and modern technology has led to the formulation of some of my most engaging work - highlighting this unique blend. In essence, this repositions traditional craft techniques for a modern audience.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY MAKING? For the past year, I have been experimenting with recycled plastic and 3D printing polymer with a robot arm, creating complex prints inspired by the movements found in traditional craft techniques such as willow weaving and crochet. We have developed new and unique methods for using these tools to build complex open-weave forms and structures. Whilst this work is totally different from what I usually do, it has been great to change things up and learn about new processes and ways of working, whilst also paying homage to traditional crafts with a material resource that is currently founded on yet we have piles of. YOUR HACK CHAIR SERIES USES SHOU SUGI BAN CHARRING, WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TECHNIQUE? I chose to use the Shou Sugi Ban charring process on the Hack Chairs as it enhances the character of the natural beauty of these pieces of timber. I also love it because it creates a silhouette of the piece highlighting the traditional form of the chair. The charring also has practical benefits, such as protecting the wood from fungus with a layer of carbon.
There is nothing new except what has been forgotten.
Marie Antoinette
Today, modern interiors are free from fixed trends and fashionable interior styles.
More than ever, we embrace the beauty of blending ideas taken from different cultures and periods in history to create a kaleidoscope of designs that reflect our own (or our clients) style and needs. This layering process often evokes the revival of old techniques and the reinvention of proven methods that bring spaces to life in a new way. We hope you enjoy our Journal, as always, we welcome your feedback marketing@tedtodd.co.uk
To read the full interview visit tedtodd.co.uk/journal
Image credits clockwise: Gareth Neal Portrait - James Champion Charring the Hack Chair - Petr Krejci The Hack Chair II - Petr Krejci
Tattu: Ebony Superwide Herringbone
Katie Hudghton Head of Marketing
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