Since launching in 2008, independent London-based furniture and interior design practice Fred Rigby Studio has worked across a range of projects characterised by organic shapes, natural symbolism, and earthy materials to provide a strong connection to nature indoors. It makes sense, then, that the studio’s new furniture collection - the Everyday Collection - is inspired by the undulating landscapes of Dorset, where founder Fred Rigby grew up. Using a pure palette of oak, wool and steel to invite touch and bring a natural materiality to the home, the pieces, all hand made in the Fred Rigby studio from locally sourced materials, are designed to provide function, comfort and a sense of playfulness.
The Everyday Collection marks an exciting milestone for Fred and his team. Unlike the Signature Collection where they release one-off pieces, this is the first time the studio has designed a full series of furniture. With circular profile tables reflecting the rippling pools of raindrops; soft and spacious seating made with custom fabric in rich earth-like tones, and a solid oak dining series with curved lines to create an inviting feeling, each piece is united by the natural symbolism of the great outdoors.
To mark the launch of the collection, Fred Rigby Studio joined forces with photographer Renée Kemps and creative studio Værnis Studio to create an incredible series of campaign images. Shot at Winspit Quarry in Dorset and at Upper Lawn Pavilion, the latter was designed by Alison and Peter Smithson as a weekend retreat and a place to test their architectural concepts in 1960. Both locations beautifully encapsulate the earthy connection to the outdoors, providing the perfect setting to frame the new pieces.
The collection comprises three series: Raindrop, Cove and Tide. With varying proportions, the round Raindrop side tables and coffee tables evoke the pattern of raindrops in a pool of water and lend themselves to a nesting formation. Crafted from solid FSC-certified oak and finished in natural oil, the soft forms of the wooden surfaces rest on contemporary tubular steel bases patinated through oxidation for a unique finish that will become more beautiful over time.
Cove consists of an armchair, a modular sofa, armless seat and footstool. The sculptural and enveloping pieces feature expanses of solid oak which encase generous soft cushions upholstered in low-pile boucle wool custom made exclusively for the Everyday Collection in collaboration with Tibor, and yarn-dyed in colours drawn from the Dorset landscape. With a modular quality designed to appeal to the demands of everyday living, the design allows for unique personlisation when pairing and configuring pieces to suit changing contexts and spaces.
The rounded, playful forms of the Tide dining series bring a sense of softness and nature into the home. With honest structures beautifully crafted from FSC certified oak, the dining chairs pair beautifully with either the round or oval dining tables, to create the perfect setting for modern living. And with a commitment to sustainable practice, the studio plants a tree for every piece sold.
Photography by Renée Kemps /Art Direction in Collaboration with Værnis Studio
To find out more about the Everyday Collection, visit Fred Rigby Studio.