15th September 2016

Design Undefined: Samuel Wilkinson

Back in 2015 we saw London-based industrial designer Samuel Wilkinson join forces with Nomad for the launch of Mòltair, his first collection of watch designs. Today we are looking forward to the second edition of Clerkenwell London’s Design Undefined exhibition, where Samuel will preview Line, the eagerly-anticipated follow up watch collection for the young brand.

In addition to a new range of minimally elegant watches, the award-winning designer will also showcase Brace, a fresh chair design that sees Samuel embrace his passion for honest materials and traditional manufacturing process in a contemporary market.

We asked the designer a few questions about the show as he prepares to join the likes of Camille Walala, Granby Workshop and Yinka Ilori at Clerkenwell London for the duration of The London Design Festival.

What will you be showing at Design Undefined for LDF 2016?

I’ll be exhibiting a new chair called Brace, within a bespoke installation . Also Line, a new watch collection. I have been interested in steam bending wood for many years so this show presented a great opportunity to produce my first steam-bent piece. The new chair hopefully really shows off the tactility and craftsmanship of this beautiful technique.

Line timepieces are designed as precise tools for measuring time, while retaining a playful edge. Each face features typical numerical minute and hour markings, but rearranged in new compositions to add a fresh contemporary look.

What can visitors to Design Undefined expect to see from you?

Brace is to be presented in The Keep at Clerkenwell London, a 3m cubed metal structure that sits on the ground floor. The chairs will be placed on a mirrored floor surrounded by a forest of offcuts, collected directly from the wood factory floor. This will form a cocoon of wood that will be hung from floor to ceiling just leaving a space for visitors to be able to walk in and sit on the chairs and enjoy the space.

What are the main production processes demonstrated by your work?

Brace is a steam-bent ash frame with a curved birch-ply seat pan. Sandblasted then lacquered in variety of finishes. Line watches have cases textured and cast in stainless steel with resistant PVD coating. The strap is in organic Swedish leather.

Will your work be available to buy at the show? Is there anywhere else it is available?

This will be the first time the chair and watches will been showcased. Both will be available to order from the store and our new web shop. (Website coming soon!)

Explore Samuel’s latest work as part of Design Undefined at Clerkenwell London for the duration of The London Design Festival from 17, 19 - 24 September.

Download the full Design Undefined press release here.