Reflecting on 10 years in business
2020 marked our tenth year in business, so as a signal of the hope we have for the future, we reflect on a decade of diverse work we’re immensely proud of
2011
Graduate collection
Traditional as radical was the title of Sebastian’s Master’s thesis in 2010, a phrase he coined to explain how traditional processes should be used to create contemporary, designed objects. His 2011 graduate collection titled Products of Silviculture showcased coppicing, an ancient method of woodland management with the potential to change how people engage with the materials they choose to furnish their homes. The theory underpinning Sebastian’s graduate collection became the guiding principle for our business, setting an example that businesses can be forces for positive change. For 2021, the Sebastian Cox studio will be re-launching Products of Silviculture, so keep your eyes peeled!
2012
The Suent chair was stocked in Liberty
The flagship piece of Sebastian’s graduate collection, The Suent Superlight Chair, was awarded a 2011 Wood Award for Outstanding Design. In 2012, Liberty stocked the Suent Chair and gave the business its first commercial platform.
2013
Heal’s Discovers commissions the Oak & Hazel collection
Heal’s Discovers champions innovative work from emerging design talent, and in 2013 commissioned Sebastian Cox’s Oak & Hazel collection. The studio’s first retail partnership served as a blueprint for the future of our business.
2014
The Wish List: our bespoke commission for Sir Terence Conran & the V&A
In collaboration with AHEC and Benchmark, Sir Terence Conran commissioned Sebastian Cox to create Getting Away From It All; a workspace bookended by two towers housing reference books and other personal objects. Made by our team from American red oak and cherry, the commission was exhibited at the V&A during the 2014 London Design Festival before arriving at Sir Terence Conran’s home.
2015
The Sebastian Cox Kitchen for deVOL launches
The creation of the Sebastian Cox Kitchen, in partnership with deVOL, serves to put English beech back into the heart of the home and a potentially high volume market. It is the perfect combination of practical, commercial and highly textural with clean lines, band-sawn cupboard fronts and woven cabinet backs. It was awarded a Design Guild Mark, a Homes & Gardens Design Award and shortlisted for a Wood Award. More images can be found here.
2016
Along the Lines of Happiness is made, live in front of Milanese audiences
Together with artist, Laura Ellen Bacon, we created Along the Lines of Happiness as an extension of The Invisible Store of Happiness. This was an experiment in making, performed live in Milan as a demonstration of the versatility, beauty and sustainability of American hardwoods. This installation blends exquisite cabinetry and free-flowing sculpture. More images can be found here.
2017
Mycelium & timber collection launches
A collaboration with design strategist and thinker, Ninela Ivanova, Mycelium & timber comprises a series of stools and lights. Each piece is created using freshly cut wood waste which has been myceliated with the species Fomes fomentarius. As the mycelium grows it and binds the green wood waste together around purpose made frames to form lightweight, incredibly strong and completely compostable pieces of design. View the collection and register for updates when our ceiling pendants are back in stock.
2018
Specimen benches installed in the refurbished Pagoda at Kew Gardens
Together with Royal Historic Palaces, we designed and made a series of specimen benches for the recently refurbished Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens. Each bench comprises a library of 26 useful, unusual and treasured tree species which once grew in Kew Gardens, with their corresponding species name engraved in latin onto each component. Read more about the refurbished Pagoda and plan a post-lockdown visit to Kew Gardens.
2019
The Blushing Bar takes centre stage at Wallpaper* Handmade
For the annual Wallpaper* Handmade exhibition in Milan, we collaborated with architects, Chan and Eayrs and the American Hardwood Export Council to create the centrepiece of the show, the Blushing Bar. In response to the theme ‘X’, meaning both ten and love, Chan and Eayrs designed a circular bar made up of ten individual segments. Each segment was designed and made in our London workshop using our experimentally dyed red oak. Utilising its unique porosity we injected red ink into the xylem of the wood, like ‘blood-filled veins through love-struck flesh’. More images can be found here.
2020
Interior architecture & freestanding furniture installed in the newly refurbished crafts council
In collaboration with AOC architects, The Crafts Council commissioned Sebastian Cox furniture for the newly refurbished home of craft in Islington, London.
To showcase their catalogue of books and beautiful objects, we designed and made an extensive fitted gallery library system using ebonised English chestnut paired with English ash. We designed and developed a diverse family of freestanding furniture including the welcome desk, partly clad in cleft chestnut shakes.
