Windsor Department 03 Exhibition Held in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo
What is a Windsor Chair? Three Leading Designers Offer Their Perspectives.
"Windsor Department 03" Exhibition Held in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo
Windsor Department, a design group researching the Windsor chair, comprises three leading designers: Taisei Fujimori, INODA+SVEJE, and DRILL DESIGN. Their exhibition, "Windsor Department 03," presents their intuitive research not in words, but in tangible forms. It will be held from September 9th (Tuesday) to 14th (Sunday) at Gallery Le Bain in Nishi-Azabu.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi (OPENERS)
Exhibition Showcases the Evolved Windsor Chair Alongside Its Design Process
The Windsor chair, believed to have originated among commoners in England in the latter half of the 17th century, is characterized by its structure where legs and slender back spindles are directly joined to the seat. It has long been cherished as a practical item. "Windsor Department," formed by three designers active both domestically and internationally, has been researching the "essence of Windsor" since 2011, repeatedly posing questions about the chair's history, usage, and the profound appeal of its design.
Taisei Fujimori, one of the participating designers, is known for his furniture design, collaborations with architects, and product and spatial design. In recent years, he has delved deeper into furniture-centric thinking, expanding his scope across various design fields regardless of scale.
INODA+SVEJE, comprised of Kyoko Inoda and Danish designer Nils Sveje, is a design team formed in Copenhagen in 2000 after the two met while studying design in Italy. Relocating to Milan in 2003, they have since focused on product design for furniture, medical devices, and speakers, earning numerous accolades including the iF Design Award Gold.
DRILL DESIGN, founded in 2001 by Yusuke Hayashi and Yoko Anzai, operates under the philosophy that "design is not an end, but a means to create the future." They engage in cross-category design and direction, encompassing product design, graphics, packaging, and spatial design.
This exhibition, "Windsor Department 03," marks their third "research presentation." Held in a venue tucked away on a side street, away from the bustle of Roppongi, it will feature three newly conceived Windsor chairs representing the current form, alongside ten previously created Windsor chairs, all displayed with their respective design processes.
The Windsor chairs are placed quietly within the spacious venue. What do the members of "Windsor Department" consider to be the "essence of Windsor"? We invite you to savor the unique charm that evokes both tranquility and sophistication.
"Windsor Department 03" Exhibition
Dates: September 9th (Tuesday) - 14th (Sunday)
Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Venue: Gallery Le Bain
3-16-28 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Opening Reception
Date: September 9th (Tuesday)
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Gallery Talk
Date: September 13th (Saturday)
Time: 16:00 - 18:00