The Crown collection comprises of an armchair (with or without a writing tablet) and an easy chair. These pieces are cleverly constructed, with a playful element to them. Backrests are perched on the armrests, seemingly unsupported but in fact relying on a strong, concealed steel joint.
When designing the Crown, Chris Martin wanted to streamline the process of producing an upholstered chair by reducing it to four moulded panels. Moulds are usually expensive, but by creating shallow moulds, the process of shaping the foam was simplified and cost efficient.
“I decided to go for sharper corners to be deliberately unfashionable – everything was soft and smooth at the time. I think it gave it a more tailored look.” Chris Martin
The backrests are perched on top of the armrests, seemingly unsupported but in fact relying on a strong, concealed steel joint. The construction gives the impression that the backrest floats above the armrests, and allows an open back design.
“We didn’t have a name for the product, and at one point the factory owner picked up the backrest for assembly. I said “its time to put the hat on” to which he replied “no, this is a crown”. He placed the crown on the shoulders of the chair. It was like a coronation; we knew instantly that we found the right name for it.” Chris Martin