Sardine Collector’s Cabinet by Michael Marriot

Design Classic – Influential and important design

Sardine Collector's Cabinet
Cabinet by Michael Marriot

Sardine Collector’s Cabinet

  • Designer: Michael Marriot
  • Material: MDF, sardine tins, wing nuts
  • Manufacturer: Space UK, London England

In 1996 the Crafts Council in London put on an exhibition called “Recycling: Forms for The Next Century”. The show investigated the rising interest in an alternative design, material reuse, and the search for a design future that took environmental concerns and less aggressive use of raw materials into account, as the title suggests. Michael Marriott, a graduate of the Royal College of Art’s furniture department, whose unusual and amusing pieces piqued people’s interest, was featured in this exhibition. His cabinet was made out of medium-density fibreboard, and the drawers were made out of sardine cans. This humorous, simple, and elegant approach proposed a different design agenda, harkening back to Victor Papanek and the Whole Earth Catalogue in the 1960s.

Marriott made use of the tradition of discovered items in his work. He saw a civilisation with many unused resources and realised that he could use materials with exciting properties. Found materials, in his opinion, created not just lovely accidental effects but also generated familiarity with the piece. So far, a table made from an old oil drum, castors, and a chipboard top, as well as a wall light made from a classic glass lemon squeezer, plywood, and shelf brackets, have been created.

Sources

McDermott, C. (2011). Modern design: Classics of our time. Carlton Books.

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  • Franco Deboni (b.1950) Italian architect and glassware designer

    Franco Deboni (b.1950) Italian architect and glassware designer

    He worked for various firms in Italy and Yugoslavia. He received a patent for a bookcase-component system. Clients included Ferro & Lazzarini (glassware) and Italianline. He was best known for his lighting in glass and a mushroom-shaped table lamp in marble; became a member of ADI (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale); was author of Venini…

  • Gillo Dorfles (1910 – 2018) Italian art critic, painter, and philosopher

    Gillo Dorfles (1910 – 2018) Italian art critic, painter, and philosopher

    Gillo Dorfles (1910 – 2018) was an Italian art critic, painter, and philosopher. He was born in Trieste and active in Milan.Read More →

  • The Alhambra Table Fountain: A Majestic Shrine of Elegance and History

    The Alhambra Table Fountain: A Majestic Shrine of Elegance and History

    Alhambra Table Fountain is a centrepiece in the form of a Moorish pavillion having a domed roof decorated with champleve enamelling and resting on a leafy base. The piece is in the style of the Alhambra, Granada, and is intended to represent a shrine covering a water-hole. On the base and encircling the edifice are…

  • Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair: A Refined and Iconic Design

    Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair: A Refined and Iconic Design

    Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair is a refined and iconic design that combines historical influences with modern sensibilities. Inspired by British campaign furniture, the chair features a simple ash wood frame, exquisite leather components, and visible joinery. Read More →

  • Peter Raacke (b.1928) German metalworker and designer

    Peter Raacke (b.1928) German metalworker and designer

    Hessische Metallwerke commissioned Raacke to produce metal cutlery, kitchen equipment, and cookware, most notably his “Mono-a” line (v-33), with silverware available in stainless steel and sterling silver.Read More →

  • Anni Albers (1899 – 1994) German Textile Designer, artist and teacher

    Anni Albers (1899 – 1994) German Textile Designer, artist and teacher

    Anni Albers was a German Textile Designer, artist and teacher. She was born in Berlin and was the Wife of Josef Albers.Read More →

  • Marc Harrison (1936 – 1998) American Industrial designer

    Marc Harrison (1936 – 1998) American Industrial designer

    Marc Harrison (1936-1998) was an industrial designer from the United States. Harrison sustained a significant brain injury in a sledding accident when he was eleven years old. He had to relearn simple functions like walking and talking as a result of the crash. Harrison gained experience and motivation for his future work as an industrial…

  • Masterful Craftsmanship and Modern Ornamentation: The Legacy of Erna Zarges-Dürr, German Silversmith

    Masterful Craftsmanship and Modern Ornamentation: The Legacy of Erna Zarges-Dürr, German Silversmith

    Erna Zarges-Dürr (1907-2002) was a German silversmith. She was professionally active Pforzheim, Leipzig, Berlin. and Stuttgart. Between 1924-27, she trained at Bruckmann und Söhne, Heilbronn, as the first women in the silversmiths’ department. From 1927, she studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule, Pforzheim, under Theodor Wende and others. Read More →

  • No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia

    No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia

    No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia. Many would argue that this is more of a sculpture than a chair. READ MORERead More →

  • Frida Kahlo Mug: The Muse Inspiration One Sip at a Time

    Frida Kahlo Mug: The Muse Inspiration One Sip at a Time

    Discover the unique Sirius Cute Mexican Kitty Cat with Bushy Eyebrows Coffee Tea Mug, the perfect gift for cat lovers. Handmade from durable ceramic in Europe, this 15 oz mug boasts a playful design and inspiring quote. Packaged in an elegant gift box, it’s microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it a practical and stylish addition to…

  • Sakura Adachi: A Fusion of Concept and Craftsmanship in Design

    Sakura Adachi: A Fusion of Concept and Craftsmanship in Design

    Sakura Adachi is a highly acclaimed designer known for her unique fusion of conceptual thinking and expert craftsmanship. Born in Japan and educated in London, she established herself in Milan, collaborating with renowned design studios. Adachi gained international recognition at the Copenhagen International Furniture Fair and went on to establish her own design studio. Her…

  • Lino Tagliapietra (b.1934) Italian Glassworker and Teacher

    Lino Tagliapietra (b.1934) Italian Glassworker and Teacher

    From 1956, Tagliapietra taught glassmaking with Archimede Seguso and Nane Ferro; 1966—68, designed glass for Venini, Murano; until 1968, for Murrina; from 1968, taught glassmaking at Haystack School and Pilchuck School, Stanwood, Washington. Read More →

  • Classic Elegance Revived: Home Countryside High Back Spindle Dining Chair,

    Classic Elegance Revived: Home Countryside High Back Spindle Dining Chair,

    Experience timeless charm and modern comfort with the Christopher Knight Home Countryside High Back Spindle Dining Chair. Influenced by the iconic design of Thonet’s Chair No. 14, this antique white chair showcases a high backrest with intricate spindle detailing. With its blend of classic elegance and contemporary appeal, it’s the perfect addition to any dining…

  • Retro Table Clock Auto Flip Clock

    Retro Table Clock Auto Flip Clock

    Don’t miss out on the Retro Table Clock Auto Flip Clock, inspired by Italian designer Gino Valle. Upgrade your desk or shelf with this stylish and practical timepiece. Its easy-to-read display, two time modes, and mesmerizing auto flip feature make it a must-have for any space. Whether it’s for your home, office, or as a…

  • Ulla Forsell (b.1944), Swedish Glassware Designer

    Ulla Forsell (b.1944), Swedish Glassware Designer

    Ulla Forsell was born in 1944 and studied at the College of Art and Design in Stockholm and Holland. SheRead More →

  • Illuminating Elegance: Exploring the Success Story of Hudson Valley Lighting Company

    Illuminating Elegance: Exploring the Success Story of Hudson Valley Lighting Company

    Are you intrigued by the artistry of lighting design? Explore the full article to discover more about the Hudson Valley Lighting Company’s rich legacy, innovative designs, and ethical practices. Immerse yourself in the world of captivating fixtures and gain insights into their collaborations and recognition.Read More →

  • The 8 types of graphic design

    The 8 types of graphic design

    Graphic design uses visual compositions to solve problems and communicate ideas through typography, imagery, color and form. There’s no one way to do that, and that’s why there are several types of graphic design, each with their own area of specialisation.Read More →

  • Anatomy of a Hallmark 🤔

    Anatomy of a Hallmark 🤔

    A hallmark is a symbol or device struck at an assay office on gold or silver, indicating that article conforms to legal standards of manufacture established by the monarch, local guilds, government etc. Literally, mark applied at Goldsmith’s Hall (London assay office since 1300) but extended to cover e.g. all five stamps found on Victorian…

  • Robert Radford Welch: A Visionary British Product Designer and Silversmith

    Robert Radford Welch: A Visionary British Product Designer and Silversmith

    Robert Radford Welch was a British product designer and silversmith known for his innovative stainless-steel designs. His career began with studies in painting and silversmithing, culminating in specialized training at the Royal College of Art. Welch established his own workshop in Chipping Campden, where he continued the tradition of the Arts and Crafts movement. Influenced…

  • Wedgwood 16 Piece Nantucket Basket Set, White

    Wedgwood 16 Piece Nantucket Basket Set, White

    Elevate your dining experience with the Wedgwood Nantucket Basket 16-Piece Set. Made from fine bone china, this collection features an embossed basketweave pattern and includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup/cereal bowls, and mugs. Mix and match with other Wedgwood collections for a unique look. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Shop now and enjoy free shipping.Read More…

  • Yohji Yamamoto (b.1943) Japanese Fashion Designer

    Yohji Yamamoto (b.1943) Japanese Fashion Designer

    Yohji Yamamoto fashion is exemplified by ease and wearability. READ MORE about this innovative radically different Japanese Designer.Read More →

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