As an emerging design enthusiast, the desire to absorb as much history and inspiration, as well as the background behind the world’s design and architectural styles, is like that of a sponge to an ocean. I certainly feel I’m in the middle of one when it comes to grasping the depth and richness of artists like Lucienne and Robin Day. This British design duo has been a force in contemporary and mid-century modern furniture and textiles, their creations often being compared to the works of their American contemporaries Charles and Ray Eames. As illustrated below in the short film Contemporary Days: The Designs of Lucienne and Robin Day, you’ll see how this couple marry practical function with natural form, all the while keeping the price tag of each piece quite affordable.
Polypropylene Chair, 1960.
The best selling chair of all time, the polypropylene chair was created by Robin Day out of the need for function and affordability. The art form was the matter of genius design.
Polypropylene chair in a canoe.
These polypropylene chairs were bolted into canoes in Botswana, making their paddler’s ride much more comfortable. “I think that’s the trademark of a design icon, is they can feel comfortable in almost any circumstance.” -Tom Dixon, Designer
After WWII, Robin Day felt the need to create a better place for people to live, which inspired him to design this very comfortable and low-cost dining table and reclining chair.
Award-winning textile.
“Plants and the sense of growth…was a very strong inspiration for me.” -Lucienne Day
The same award-winning textile in design, 1951.
Thinking this textile would never sell, in fact, it made history by winning awards in America, took the Gran Premio prize at the Milan Triennale, and ultimately went into full production for years.
For a more in depth look at the Days’ work, enjoy this short film by Murray Grigor:
