The 1282 Chair

A sleek interpretation of the traditional Welsh stick chair.

Inspired by the book and design manifesto ‘Beyond the New. On the Agency of Things’ by design theorist Louise Schouwenberg and designer Hella Jongerius, Welsh furniture and product designer Guto Davies created the 1282 chair. The project aims to emphasize the importance of cultural influences and heritage in contemporary design. While clearly modern, the chair also looks familiar, as it beautifully reimagines the traditional Welsh stick chair typology. To design 1282, Guto Davies researched the original chairs extensively, to not only understand their structure and style, but to also capture and reinterpret their character as a new creation.

The stick chairs’ distinctive curved arms provided the starting point for the new chair design, with the 1282 also tackling the unusual arm height in an ergonomic-focused way. Additionally, the designer chose a material that contrasts the classic wood constructions of the old stick chairs: stainless steel. Both modern and sleek, the metal enhances the chair’s durability and reinforces the concept that stands at the foundation of the design.

The 1282 chair has a sculptural presence, which the smooth and matte stainless steel accentuates further. While the legs and curved armrests have a tubular form, the seat and backrest are made of thin metal sheets. Finally, the designer used manufacturing processes that minimize waste and optimize efficiency. Photography by Huw Morris-Jones.