Designers to Watch : Brothers Dressler
A New Weekly Series
From this week, DeTnk will be highlighting designers that we feel you should know about.
The first of the series is the design pair Brothers Dressler.
Twin brothers, Jason and Lars Dressler begin their design process by focusing on craft; building upon their knowledge of materials and technique they create custom bespoke collectables by hand at their wood-shop in Toronto, Canada.
When possible, Jason and Lars, breathe new life into found materials. We see this in their very popular series "school chairs."
They write-
We came across a number of chairs saved from a defunct felt factory in a salvage store in the Junction, we saw the potential in these well-used chairs and took all 93 of them. The chairs are tubular steel frame school assembly chairs with flat maple plywood seats and curved plywood backs. The frame, seat, back and legs have been added-to and reinforced to create chairs that will begin again and avoid a premature end.The scratches in the paint expose the metal and show its history of useful tenure, marks of character that add charm to the piece. We have reinforced the frame with the application of solid wood braces as new legs. Some of the chairs have been instilled with a new vibrancy with powder coating.
When they are not using found materials, one can see their skilled technique and deep understanding of craft. Their piece cross ll table employs complicated carpentry skills to create a design that highlights the beauty and simplicity of natural materials. It is in this juxtaposition of complicated cultural craft and natural beauty that really makes this table stand out.
The Brothers Dressler have been showing their work throughout North America. Most recently at the Design Exchange Black + White Fundraising Gala this past October. Earlier this year, some of you may have spotted them at Billy Reid in New York. If you missed these past opportunities to see their work, keep an eye on DeTnk's twitter account where I will keep you in the know for future events!
To read more about the importance of craftsmanship in the design process, I would reccomend Thinking Through Craft by Glenn Adamson (Head of Graduate Studies
Victoria & Albert Museum)
