“There are a number of companies growing in the industry who focus on furniture to last, in terms of aesthetic and craftsmanship… unfortunately I don’t think the majority of furniture manufacturers hold the same commitment.”
Sean Dare doesn’t mince his words, but then he knows what he’s talking about. The roll call of UK retailers and manufacturers who have come knocking on his door includes some of the biggest players on the high street – including Marks and Spencer, John Lewis Partnership, Selfridges, Heals and the Conran Shop.
It might seem that Dare sprung out of nowhere, however Dare has close to 15 years experience of grafting in the furniture industry. Since going out on his own, and unveiling his debut collection at 100% Design in 2009, Dare hasn’t looked back. His pieces shone for their refined design and finish, as they did at the recent Clerkenwell Design Week, although he was in good company – the event is fast becoming a hunting ground for young British design and manufacturing talent.
“Manufacturing is definitely coming back to the UK, which is fantastic,” Dare told OnOffice magazine recently. “I think it’s a shame that it’s taken a recession to do that. I think we should’ve been able to maintain manufacturing during the peaks and the government should’ve focused more on it.”
In today’s economically challenging times, many people are waking up to the false economy of buying cheap, throwaway clothes and are opting to shop smart – ie, less, but better. Will this spread into the interiors domain? “We actively design and produce furniture to stand the test of time and therefore don’t play a part in the throwaway culture that has evolved in recent years.,” says Dare, reasoning, “I grew up in a household whereby furniture was revered and my parents saved and saved to afford pieces which they still own and cherish today, some 40 years later!”
Given that a growing proportion of the UK population are having to rent rather than buy their own home, and are facing up to the reality that they may never be able to own a property, it will be interesting to see how this impacts the furniture industry – and companies like Dare Studio’s future plans.
“Across Europe, it is uncommon to actually own your property and the majority rent and have done so for generations,” reasons Dare. “The UK is having to accept this shift in the owning/renting equation and the result is that the majority won’t profit from playing the property game. But I firmly believe if you have an understanding of style, quality and craftsmanship then it really won’t make a difference if you own or rent. You’ll still want to buy a great bit of furniture.”
While addressing modern-day needs, Dare’s aesthetic has a timeless, yet slightly 1950s feel. “I’m not scared to say that my work has a distinctive look, which has evolved from my passion for mid century furniture combined with contemporary angles and function.
His attention to detail – such as the angled drawers in the Kakatana desk – the award-winning star piece in Dare’s collection – is a device to keep pens near the front of the drawer. “I try to add features and details to all of my designs, to make them something special,” he explains, “something that stands out and something that will give pleasure both aesthetically and functionally.”
Interestingly, just as Dare’s Kakatana desk was an instant hit – and demonstrated that there is still a market for domestic desks, despite the onslaught of computer tablets and mobile communications, Dare did it again at Clerkenwell Design Week, this time generating demand for another supposedly bygone furniture piece: the dressing table.
After displaying a separate desk and mirror, such was the interest, a dressing table based on the desk’s design and incorporating a mirror will now also go into production. “The mirror itself was a new product, launched at the show, and represents a new venture into using the recycled material cork rubber.”
Desks apart – with the ever increasing use of the internet, made even easier with the iPad, this is starting to change home layouts and room use. The bedroom is being hailed as the new living room, as people increasingly use their beds to lounge on, read, surf the net, etc. Daybeds are also seeing a revival. Has this entered Dare’s radar for potential future designs? “Nope, but thanks for pointing that out – look out for a new Dare Daybed coming soon! But on a more serious note, times are indeed changing technologically, and as a result, furniture must adapt to accommodate new ways of living with this technology. We’re currently developing a new range which will incorporate docking points, speaker systems and storage for those must-have gizmos.”
