René Armchair
Case
Designed by Matthew Hilton.
The René Armchair was designed with simplicity in mind, a quiet piece of furniture that offers the user scope for their own self-expression. Designed by Matthew Hilton, it was important that René’s simple design did not equate to boring: it should be subtle but intriguing.
Matthew Hilton describes the shape as having a hint of Art Deco, with just the suggestion of the 1920s and 1930s, as well as a nod to early Roxy Music and Biba. The name René comes from René Lalique, the celebrated French jeweler and glass designer.
Matching Sofa available separately.
Find out more about Case upholstery options here and contact us to order samples for home delivery.
Details
Bespoke terms & Conditions Title
Made to Order 8-10 weeks
More information about René Armchair by Matthew Hilton for Case
675 Chair, 1953
Whereas 1930s furniture had been heavy and ponderous, Day’s post-war designs were light on their feet and economical in their use of materials. A minimalist frame was adopted for the 675 Chair, a dining chair with a slender floating moulded plywood seat back.
In September 2014 Case Furniture launched an authentic new production of Robin Days’ classic 675 Chair (1952). An example of the original production was sourced as the template for development work carried out in consultation with the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation. It was awarded a Design Guild Mark by the Furniture Makers' Company in March 2015.
Robin and Lucienne Day
Together, Robin and Lucienne Day transformed British design after World War II with striking furniture and textiles that signaled a new era of modernist sensibilities for everyday living. Robin’s revolutionary furniture designs introduced materials such as plastic, steel and plywood to homes, offices and schools. His stacking polypropylene chair endures as an icon and now graces a Royal Mail postage stamp. Lucienne’s abstract textile designs brought accessible elegance into the homes of postwar British consumers.
The Days’ fresh design approaches, including their contributions to the Royal Festival Hall in 1951, helped fuel the artistic and commercial awakening that led Britain out of the devastation of World War II.
Matthew Hilton
Born in 1957, Matthew Hilton studied at Portsmouth College of Art and then at Kingston Polytechnic. After graduating he worked for Capa as an industrial designer and model maker. He then set up his own design studio/workshop in 1984.
Matthew Hilton doesn't believe in design movements, and he really doesn't like the concept of design as a fashion. Rather, he thinks the design process is part of the evolution of any object through history. Designing with the end user in mind, and whether that means a household of ten or one, he takes pleasure in finding the fluid, easily adaptable solution to fit today's domestic spaces.
