Integrity was the other huge attribute behind the furniture’s appeal. “They say that there’s a real honesty to mid-century furniture — there’s nowhere to hide — you see the construction within the furniture and all the elements are out on display so you have to do something really well.” Nowadays in this age of ‘disposable everything’ Dan and Emma identify with the demand for mid-century as people have a deeper desire to connect, to be nostalgic and to find a statement piece with legacy that they can pass on to their children. “People want more enduring, they want something that they can connect with — gorgeously crafted furniture can get better with age,” says Emma. She notes designers who rose to prominence during the period like Verner Panton, considered one of Denmark's most influential 20th century furniture and interior designers. “He did his own thing that was a step away from organic Danish furniture. Panton used wild bold colours and experimented with how space was used as well. Things like 'can a lounge be a playground?'” she says. Another signature of mid-century is the element of freedom. Designers imagined how things could be without being dictated too. “If you look at New Zealand pre-modernism, there was a lot of European and English influence so a lot of our architecture
looked like the English countryside. Then when modernism struck, people were questioning what New Zealand design was how to create pieces that referenced us,” Dan says. Dan and Emma explain the new direction developed in New Zealand that was known as pan-Pacific modernism. They admit they’re amazed about how many mid-century furniture designers in New Zealand there were. Even though it sources 70% of its stock from Denmark, the UK and United States, walk around the gallery at Mr Bigglesworthy to see New Zealand pieces. It’s obvious our designers pushed the new form and mixed different materials ranging from rattan cane, ceramic, brass, glass, mahogany, rimu, kauri and oak to steel. Look out for the stunning multi-coloured mosaic tile coffee table and hand sculpted bowls by John Crighton that are currently for sale. “One designer, Garth Chester, designed the Curvesse chair which so experimental and bold – I don’t know how he would’ve found customers to buy it as it would’ve cost a fortune to make,” Emma says. The perfect fit for apartment dwellers, mid-century furniture works exceptionally well in smaller spaces. “Sustainability and having a smaller footprint is important which fits with the homes people are building now too,” says Dan. “There’s an >>
Images: Mr Bigglesworthy
OUR LOVE AFFAIR WITH MID-CENTURY FURNITURE