A walking stick is a mobility aid that an individual uses as they move from one point to another. But is such a piece anything more than that, or is it simply a utilitarian object?
“Walking Sticks & Canes,” an exhibition presented by MillerKnoll, highlights these everyday tools as gestures of movement and connection. Curated by acclaimed industrial designer Keiji Takeuchi, the presentation debuted at Triennale during Milan Design Week in 2024.
Takeuchi started collecting canes when he moved to Milan in 2012, fascinated by how these seemingly simple items were actually a reflection of the owners’ character. When he looked at the canes so that he could draw them, he knew there was more complexity to these sticks of support. “The contrast between simplicity and complexity posed a challenge for me, and then I began to understand how both primitive and contemporary this object is.”
Even though Takeuchi had thought of putting on an exhibit before COVID-19 hit, it finally came together and was shown in Italy when the population was still recovering from the pandemic. The pieces had even more resonance as visitors recalled senior citizens shut in their homes for months. When they emerged, the cane served as a lifeline—and a reminder of how crucial accessibility is. “The elderly lost fitness, courage, and the motivation to face the reality that some friends might no longer be there,” he noted. “I thought it was necessary to send a message of encouragement, and I realized a group show was the way to go.”
Now on view at MillerKnoll’s reinvisioned flagship in Manhattan, the exhibition features walking sticks and canes by 19 designers from around the world. Underscored by a series of photographs by Albert Lee, each creative’s unique version of a cane offers New Yorkers a new perspective on an essential piece.
Kelsey Keith, creative director at MillerKnoll, saw the original exhibit and felt it was perfectly aligned with the company’s belief that refined goods can be appreciated by all, not just a select group. Rather than present a “big idea” show about a topic like sustainability, which not everyone can easily understand, a display of items that are familiar made the most sense. “A walking stick is such a universally relevant object, and these novel approaches to it get people thinking about design in ways that maybe they don’t even understand,” she explained.
The designers deftly blend form and function to create canes that range in size, color, and decoration. Some are a nod to other basic things, but look like contemporary sculpture. Belgium-based designer Julien Renault’s entry, CADORNA, is a verdant-colored walking stick that was inspired by classic sewing eye head pins. The handle naturally extends into a loop, and forms into a hook that doubles as a carrier while on the go. “It is a daily companion for going to the market or stopping for a coffee while holding a small bag, a scarf, or a hat,” noted Renault.
Takeuchi’s own model, called Up, has textured paper cord, which doubles as a grip surface to help someone position themselves upright more easily. The post is wider at the bottom, which offers more stability. As a final touch, a hidden weight was added to the base for a boost of extra momentum during a daily walk.
Italian architect and creative director Marialaura Rossiello Irvine, who heads Studio Irvine, emphasizes material transformation without sacrificing the industrial practicality she is known for. Crafted from two pieces of steam-bent beechwood and a third straight element, her piece is not only practical but personal. “Gianni is a symbol of bond and love, a knot dedicated to my father,” she said.
The showroom’s ninth-floor space was built to accommodate a series of rotating exhibitions, with the next round slated for later this year. Manhattanites are an ideal audience because of their knowledge of MillerKnoll furnishings and legacy. “With the gallery here, we can make connections between all of the brands with the company and the design world at large,” Keith added. “It’s an exciting opportunity.”
Walking Sticks & Canes is on view now through April 10th at the MillerKnoll showroom, located at 251 Park Avenue South. To make a reservation, click on the link here.
