Lockdown design project for charity

London-based designers Tom and Will Butterfield simply wanted to distract themselves last spring when the Corona-related lockdown started in the UK, so they sought inspiration in an object that was simple, stable, predictable and humble. So they created a functional chair made of 27-millimeter covid wood and wood screws - in 19 different finishes. The crisis triggered by Covid-19 and their lockdown boredom, the two brothers wanted to counter with a creative project.

The plain wooden chairs were then sent to 19 designers* and artists* around the world, who were asked to adapt, modify and redesign each design according to their own ideas. There was only one requirement: they had to think of the elderly, who are among those most affected by the pandemic. The chairs will later be auctioned off for a good cause. The proceeds will go to organization UK Age, which cares for the advanced age population, and Resourcing Racial Justice, which supports People of Color.

The 19 participants* gave free rein to their creativity. The result: 19 very different unique designs. Photographer Henry Gorse dressed up his chair completely in caramel candy, as many people associate visiting their grandparents with this sweet. Designer Tom Dixon created a chair for a specific person - astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Dixon added backrests and outfitted the chair with aluminum foil, which is meant to remind people of the Apollo lunar module.

All works will be on display at London's Protein Studios from April 22-25. The online auction will run from April 1 to April 30, 2021.

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