Tony Chambers introduces our August 2017 issue

Left, limited-edition cover by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec. The Bouroullecs created our special cover as part of their Handmade project, ‘The Veil’, a collaboration with embroidery masters Lesage Intérieurs. Right, newstand cover. Photography: Roger Deckker

(Image credit: Roger Deckker)

By Tony Chambers

last updated 30 August 2022

in Features

At this year’s Salone del Mobile, that most sacred of design gatherings, we called the Wallpaper* flock to the Mediateca Santa Teresa, a deconsecrated church on Via della Moscova. And there did true believers, as well as the odd agnostic, enjoy intimate communion with spirit-lifting design and craft at its most transcendent.

This issue bears witness to the divine efforts of our various dynamic design duos and hastily assembled bands of brothers and sisters. From genesis to revelation, we pull back the veil on projects from the Bouroullecs, Tom Dixon, Kostas Murkudis, Sabine Marcelis, Conrad Shawcross, Matteo Thun, Doshi Levien and a multitude more. Here are fonts and sarcophagi, tools for meditation and mindfulness, settings for blessed beginnings and suitable send-offs, devotional fixtures and fittings, and simple, elegantly austere sanctuaries for the modern soul.

*‘The Portal’, by Snøhetta, Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik and Everything Elevated, for Wallpaper* Handmade*

In all, and rare, seriousness, we hope the spirit of this year’s Handmade exhibition, and this issue, is one of calm reflection and communion, entirely inclusive and strictly non-denominational. Salone and Handmade are truly global events, celebrations of cross-border collaboration and friendships forged in the creative act. They recognise that we can still at least hope to make the world, in small ways perhaps, a more civilised and lovely place to be.

Onwards and upwards!

Tony Chambers, Editor-in-Chief

As originally featured in the August 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*221)

'Holy Handmade!' Signet-Ring Seal, by Rebus. *Photography: Paul Zak*

Ten Commandments of Science, by Yves Béhar, scribed by Paul Antonio Scribe. *Photography: Máté Moro*

From left to right, Niels Jørgensen of Erik Jørgensen Møbelfabrik, Stian Alessaandro Ekkernes Rossi of Snøhetta, and Marius Myking and Martin Nichols of Everything Elevated with ‘The Portal’ outside Erik Jørgensen’s HA in Pakhus 48. *Photography: Jan Søndergaard*

Paper Factor founder Riccardo Cavaciocchini in his Lecce workshop, holding the Tom Dixon-designed sustainable sarcophagus. *Photography: Bea De Giacomo*

Sabine Marcelis and Made a Mano create a volcanic altar as a celebratory centerpiece. *Photography: Danilo Scarpati*

Blocks of lava stone outside the Made a Mano workshop in Naples, during the making of the volcanic altar. *Photography: Danilo Scarpati*

Fashion designer Craig Green with his black and multicoloured ceremonial rugs. *Photography: Roger Dekker*

At Lesage Intérieurs’ workshops in Chennai, Kvadrat’s ‘Time 300’ fabric was stretched on a giant wooden loom held in place with straps. *Photography: Mark Hartman*

The ‘Immaculate Care’ case, by Matteo Thun & Partners and Ermenegildo Zegna. *Photography: Máté Moro*

The ‘Treasure Box’ by RDAI and Lanserring is perfect for holding small valuable items. *Photography: William Bunce*

The ‘Dig Deep’ offertory bag by Jamie Fobert Architects and Studioart envelops the arm, becoming a seamless extension of the body. *Photography: Máté Moro*

Sebastian Herkner, Lobmeyr and FOA create five glass vessels which are engraved with botanical drawings. Photography: Phillippe Fragnière

Tom Dixon and Paper factor's 'Sustainable sarcophagus' combines the afterlife aesthetic of Ancient Egypt and innovative paper-based materials. *Photography: Leandro Farina*

Bloc Studios and Haeckel's series of geometric marble diffusers hold calming fragranced oils. *Photography: Leandro Farina*

INFORMATION

The August 2017 issue of Wallpaper* is out now. Subscribe here

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