DESIGN NAME: SomethingRegal
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Handmade Desk
INSPIRATION: The idea for the Equator Memorial Project had its genesis in a bed Johann Sigmarsson designed and made in 2011. Friends and acquaintances showed immediate interest and he was soon commissioned to make another one as a wedding anniversary gift. Sigmarsson went on to build shelves, an armchair with leather seats, and a desk with leather trimmings. Word got around about his furniture making and eventually a small group of people began to form around the current project. In May 2012, Sigmarsson was watching a report on the evening news about the Association of Icelandic Ports and its intention to refurbish the Reykjavík Harbor. Apparently, much of the jetty was to be removed and discarded. It occurred to him then that the wood might be recycled and used to make furniture. And this was the beginning of a brand new idea. In autumn, a group headed by Sigmarsson obtained permission to take the wood being thrown away by the Reykjavík Harbor. He then began to dry and plane it in preparation for the project. He soon discovered that much of the material was perfect for what he had in mind, i.e. stylish handmade furniture. Aside from being environmentally friendly, this recycling was also a kind of resurrection. Way back in 1903, the very same material was used to construct a dock for the herring fleet, which later became a part of the Reykjavik Harbor that was constructed between 1913 and 1917. Closer examination revealed that the some of the wood originally came from a German schooner that sank off the south coast of Iceland in 1890. The vessel was brought to Reykjavik and disassembled for scrap. Fascinatingly, research indicated that that the trees may have been more than 200 years old when they were first used for shipbuilding.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The desk is created from recycled wood which has been in Reykjavík Harbor for over 100 years. One cabinet of two have three glass shelves, a light and interior of green calf skin. One drawers of five have red calf skin at bottom. It can be seen inside the drawer because of a glass plate which is placed in the desk top plate. The desk top plate is made out of wood upholstered with red leather. The sides of the cabinet are sawn so that they close together in the legs. Knobs are made of Icelandic stones except one which is in crystal.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: -
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Name of the piece; SomethingRegal - Place of origin: Iceland. Date: 2012-2013
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Fine Arts and Art Installation Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Over 100 years old recycled solid Pinewood from Reykjavík Harbor, leather, stone, glass, oil varnish.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Size 79 x 80 x 180cm
TAGS: SomethingRegal, handmade desk, recycled wood.
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: 2013 - The Art of being Icelandic - Group exhibition in co operation with Reykjavík UNESCO, City of Literature. Designed and handmade furniture in old pinewood recycled from Reykjavík Harbor, which was constructed between 1913 and 1917 exhibited in Reykjavík City Hall.
CHALLENGE: To get and prepare the wood.
ADDED DATE: 2013-11-07 12:32:09
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Handmade & designed by Johann Sigmarsson
IMAGE CREDITS: Aasa Charlotta Ingerardóttir, Jóhann Sigmarsson
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