The latest issue of Wood Review contains stories which highlight the resurgence of interest in Australian mid-20th century furniture design as evidenced by displays at the inaugural Australian International Furniture Exhibition and at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Most interesting however, is the story of how Parker Furniture, manufactured commercially for at least 50 years before the business closed its doors in 1997, is now being produced again, albeit in limited and made-to-order runs. The man behind what are now regarded as iconic designs is Tony Parker, who along with Michael Lewy (Covemore Designs) and Raymond Scott (Workshopped) are now working together in a unique partnership to recreate part of the range and also extend it.
You can hear Tony Parker and Michael Lewy talking about their new directions in this clip taken at Grand Designs last year.
In July this year another great Australian brand, Aristoc/Fler was honoured by the award that company founder Ian Howard received as an 'Australian Furniture Industry Master' at the AIFE. Aristoc/Fler was established in 1947 and went on to expand and employ at various times some of Australia’s most notable furniture designers, including Fred Lowen, William Oyston and Grant Featherston. Listen to Ian Howard here:
Modern ICONS Master interview - Ian Howard from Australian Furniture Association on Vimeo.
...and watch this to learn about the Australian International Furniture Exhibition at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne in July, 2014.
AFA EXHIBITION SIZZLE from Australian Furniture Association on Vimeo.