Featherston 2016: The Relaunch of Australian Furniture Classics Designed by Grant Featherston.

Supporters of Australian design will rejoice at the announcement that the iconic designs of one of Australia’s most memorable furniture designers are being relaunched for a new era of enthusiasts to love. For the launch of the collection on July 27th, Gordon Mather, Australia’s only licensed Featherston manufacturer since the 1980’s, said “Featherston pieces have been sought-after classics in Australian homes, galleries and private collections since the 1940’s. We are thrilled to be able to meet continued interest in the brand by releasing an outstanding collection of Featherston works, curated for contemporary homes and savvy collectors.”

“The new Featherston 2016 collection comprises of both classic pieces that are instantly recognisable, along with designs that have lain dormant for decades. “Working with Grant’s life and professional partner, Mary Featherston, we have carefully selected those pieces that will appeal to a whole new generation, while maintaining the quality and integrity that you would expect from such a renowned brand,” adds Mather.

The collaboration by Gordon Mather Industries, Mary Featherston and Grazia & Co, sees classics such as the Contour series and Webbing chairs revitalised with new contemporary fabric selections. Models that have been out of production for decades, such as the B230 Contour chair and the B150 Obo chair are being given a new lease on life.

While his background was in glass and lighting design, Featherston made his mark in furniture design with a distinct simplicity and lightness of form that was in stark relief to the heavy, overstuffed style that had prevailed. His love of nature and commitment to sustainability all drove Featherston’s quest for efficiency: to achieve the ultimate form using the least material possible.

“The themes of sustainability, efficiency of form and environmental sensibility that Grant championed are more relevant than ever. He was ahead of his time in many respects – the designs featured in this collection are testament to the endurance of both his designs and this philosophy” said Mary Featherston. To acknowledge their place as some of the most significant furniture works in Australian design history and to protect their originality, Featherston’s designs have been registered with IP Australia, with Mary Featherston’s blessing.

Relates Post: Inside Robin Boyd’s Featherston House.

[Images courtesy of Grazia & Co. Photography by Lauren Bamford.]