Jasper Morrison on the Resurgence of Craft in Design
In an evolving design world, the resurgence of artisanal methods is drawing comparisons to the creative landscape of 1980s London, as noted by acclaimed British industrial designer Jasper Morrison. He highlights how the declining commercial avenues are driving a shift towards handcrafted and personalized furniture, echoing the challenges he encountered at the outset of his own career.
The Evolving Landscape of Design: A Reflection from Jasper Morrison
British industrial design luminary Jasper Morrison recently shared his insights on the design industry's current trajectory, drawing a striking parallel between today's burgeoning interest in craft-based design and the creative environment of London in the early 1980s. In a detailed interview, Morrison, known for his pragmatic and refined approach to everyday objects, expressed that despite his preference to contemplate the broader industry as little as possible, the rise of artisanal, custom-made furniture unmistakably harks back to the shifting conditions he experienced decades ago.
Morrison observes that in contemporary London, designers are, in a sense, re-envisioning their practices by increasingly engaging in craft-centric work. He acknowledges the necessity of this shift, stating, "I have a lot of sympathy for them, because I don't see what else they can do, really, and that's a sensible way of doing it, if you can." This trend signifies a move away from mass-produced commercial partnerships towards the creation of unique, singular pieces, often utilizing experimental materials and techniques.
Examples of this inventive approach include a chair fashioned from coconut fiber and horsehair by Tessa Silva’s Smock, and a foam daybed adorned with flexible paint by Pablo Octavio. This contrasts sharply with the traditional model of licensing designs for large-scale production, a path Morrison himself successfully navigated with iconic pieces like the Air-Chair for Magis.
The diminished availability of commercial collaborations, coupled with an increasingly diverse design milieu, appears to be a significant catalyst for this craft revival. Morrison recalls a similar scarcity of manufacturing opportunities when he began his career in England. He recounts his initial foray into a "micro-production" model, where he personally sourced materials and assembled pieces, such as tables, from various local workshops. This hands-on process, akin to a "taxi-driver existence," involved collecting components and delivering finished products directly to clients.
The designer expressed considerable relief upon securing partnerships with companies like Cappellini, which alleviated the logistical burdens of self-production. He notes that the current generation of young designers faces comparable hurdles, as major companies cannot collaborate with everyone, making the landscape particularly challenging.
Throughout his illustrious career, Morrison has collaborated with numerous renowned brands, including FSB for a door handle, and Hay for a camping collection, in addition to working with Alessi, Alias, and Vitra. Despite his own successful integration into industrial design, Morrison admits that he initially harbored little interest in the craft movement, preferring to focus on machine-made items for industrial application. He muses that the design world has now come full circle, albeit in a distinctly different manner.
Morrison's advice to emerging practitioners is to concentrate on their individual craft, define design on their own terms, and maintain a focused approach. He highlights designers like Rio Kobayashi and Bethan Laura Wood as contemporary talents he admires. He emphasizes the current diversity of design, suggesting that it's no longer possible to encapsulate it under a single definition, as it encompasses a multitude of individual explorations. For Morrison, the most effective strategy for a designer is to immerse oneself in their work, shaping their vision of design without undue concern for external opinions.
The dynamic interplay between industrial production and artisanal craftsmanship continues to shape the contemporary design narrative. Morrison's reflections offer a valuable historical perspective, highlighting how designers adapt to shifting economic and creative landscapes. His insights underscore the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience within the design community, where the pursuit of meaningful creation often dictates the chosen path, whether through large-scale manufacturing or the intricate work of the handmade. The evolving scene, with its renewed emphasis on craft, suggests a deeper appreciation for individuality and the unique story each bespoke piece tells.