Launching at designjunction, the New Book “Samuel Chan: Design Purity + Craft Principles” by Charlotte and Peter Fiell
Channels also debuts ‘Mr Knock’ bookcases and new edition ‘Gillespie’ rocking chair at designjunction
A new book surveying the work of one of Britain’s most prolific furniture designers, Samuel Chan: Design Purity + Craft Principles by Charlotte and Peter Fiell will be launched at designjunction, as part of London Design Festival, 22-25 September. It tells the story of Samuel Chan’s creative and entrepreneurial endeavours, celebrating his illustrious career in furniture design and marks 20 years of his studio, Channels.
Samuel Chan: Design Purity + Craft Principles is a richly illustrated monograph that explores Chan’s singular approach to design and manufacture, from first discovering his love of woodwork as a schoolboy new to England, to opening Channels with a studio-showroom in 1995, and going on to be awarded 12 Design Guild Marks over the course of his career so far.
From his earliest days as a designer, Chan’s emphasis has been on creating furniture that combines contemporary design with exquisite wood craftsmanship. Born in Hong Kong and educated in Britain, he draws on his heritage to produce work that is imbued with a unique synthesis of Eastern aesthetics and Western design ideals.
The book’s authors, Charlotte and Peter Fiell, have followed Chan’s work since he was an undergraduate. They write, “Embodying a philosophy of design purity and craft principles, Chan’s work displays exceptional formal and functional integrity, and can be held up as exemplary of best practice in clean, contemporary design.”
“Samuel Chan is one of the leading designer-makers of his generation, who bridges the design worlds of the East and West. Having known Samuel for over twenty-five years, we are thrilled to now tell the extraordinary and touching story that lies behind his work.”
To coincide with the publication of the book, Channels will unveil its new 2016 furniture collection by Samuel Chan at designjunction. ‘Mr Knock’ is a series of two new bookcase designs, named after Chan’s woodwork teacher at school. Both bookcases are modular systems that can be configured to suit differing storage requirements. They are shown in oak and walnut, and can be ordered in bespoke sizes and finishes.
In addition, Channels is launching new editions of the ‘Gillespie’ rocking chair in a colourful range of new Kvadrat wool fabrics. ‘Gillespie’ is available as a distinctive double rocking chair, or as a single seater, in solid oak or walnut frames.
“Samuel Chan belongs to that rich heritage of British furniture designers who bridge craft and design through artistry, curiosity and immaculate making skills. His work is of the highest order.” – Professor Jeremy Myerson, Helen Hamlyn Chair of Design, Royal College of Art, London
“Complex craftsmanship is a challenge Samuel loves to explore. His creations clearly follow his life: with one foot in Europe and one foot in Asia. The elegant mix of different cultures makes Samuel’s work desirable and timeless for culturally engaged clients worldwide.” – Casper Vissers, founder of Moooi
Comprising a biography, timeline of key awards and exhibitions, and a detailed overview of Chan’s individual designs and projects, Samuel Chan: Design Purity + Craft Principles will be published by Laurence King in September 2016, RRP £30.
Samuel Chan’s furniture designs, including the new ‘Mr Knock’ and ‘Gillespie’ collections, are available through Channels.
Channels
1-3 New King’s Road
London SW6 4SB
U.K.
