“Objects should never shout.”
Uttered in a rare interview, these words concisely sum up the value and purpose of Jasper Morrison’s creations. As a designer, Morrison is best known for his ultra-minimalist approach to everything from furniture and lighting to everyday products.
That isn’t to say that Morrison’s designs are lacking in necessary features and functions. Each piece has been carefully constructed to not only look beautiful, but also to serve a practical purpose. However, it’s his commitment to visual simplicity which allows Morrison’s designs to fit seamlessly into any space.
Morrison’s Design Journey
Born in London, Jasper Morrison became dedicated to a career in design from an early age. After studying at the Kingston Polytechnic Design School and the Royal College of Art in the early 1980s, he opened his Office for Design in London. By that time, he had already developed some remarkably innovative designs, including the imaginative Handlebar Table and his iconic Thinking Man’s Chair.
As he launched new designs from his base in London, Morrison’s design philosophy crystallized further. The Plywood Chair, launched in 1988, has an extremely simplified, almost barebones silhouette. However, the unique seat creates a kind of cushioning effect, proving that a minimalist, “honest” design didn’t necessitate the sacrifice of comfort or usability.
Morrison’s design mission has been described as “to produce everyday objects for everyone’s use, make things lighter not heavier, softer not harder, inclusive rather than exclusive, generate energy, light and space.” In all of his designs, including dinnerware, furniture and even door handles, Morrison strives to achieve an improved version of classic, timeless objects. He doesn’t aim to reinvent them, however. Instead, he works to enhance their form and function by stripping them down to the most basic — and most beautiful — intrinsic qualities.
Timeless Furniture
Besides his independent innovations, Morrison has designed furniture and products for companies like Emeco, Vitra, Flos, Muji and Alessi. Among his most notable designs are the Emeco Alfi Reclaimed Work Chair and the 1 Inch Reclaimed Stacking Chair, each of which offers a fresh, streamlined take on a classic chair style.
The Alfi Reclaimed Work Chair removes the excess bulk seen in many of today’s desk chairs. Optimized for productivity and comfort, the chair exhibits a thin, sleek silhouette. The gentle curves which make it comfortable to sit in for hours at a time are subtle and refined. Although it has most of the bells and whistles that make for a quality, versatile work chair — a durable swivel base, gas shock seat suspension, adjustable seat height and smooth-rolling multi-surface casters — these features have been artfully incorporated for a pared-down appearance.
With the 1 Inch Reclaimed Stacking Chair, Morrison puts his own spin on an iconic design. Inspired by Emeco’s 1006 Navy Chair, it features a similarly simplified silhouette with an eye toward long-lasting durability. Morrison’s chair has a solid back with a softer, more rounded shape. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the 1 Inch Reclaimed Stacking Chair features a convenient stackable design and comes in classic neutral tones that effortlessly complement its surroundings.
Both of these chairs take a sustainable approach to design that aligns with Morrison’s goal of improving upon well-established product concepts. To create the Alfi Chair, 100% recycled polypropylene is combined with mixed wood fiber, which is then molded to form the smoothly curved seat.
The 1 Inch Reclaimed Stacking Chair is crafted from recycled wood-filled polypropylene (WPP), an eco-friendly material that drastically reduces the environmental impact of furniture production by transforming lumber yard and industrial off-cuts and into a high-quality, ultra-durable composite.
With extreme attention to detail and a refined design, every Jasper Morrison piece is a timeless work of art that doubles as a practical addition to your home.