‘plain clay collection’ by maarten baas all images © frank tielemans

dutch designer maarten baas explores the qualities of clay through furniture pieces which celebrate the hands from which they are formed with ‘the plain collection’. the newest addition to the series are a set of stools which are made of redeveloped synthetic clay. the new formula used for the objects ensures a stronger structure, no longer needing a lacquered finish. this allows for the natural quality of the material to be left exposed. pigment is added directly into the mixture of the natural substance to achieve various colors. no moulds are used for the manufacturing process, instead, the clay is placed by hand on a metal skeleton for a result in which the texture of fingerprints and the impressions of the maker’s sculpting motions are still visible after the clay hardens.

baas’ updated series of clay furniture, including the new stools, was presented at spazio rossana orlandi during milan design week 2012.

the structures of ‘the plain collection’ are made strong enough for public use and have been installed in the restaurant of the groninger museum in the netherlands. see designboom’s article on the groninger museum renovation which includes photographs of the furniture in context.

maarten baas: the plain collection   milan design week 2012 chair frames are formed from unlacquered clay  

maarten baas: the plain collection   milan design week 2012 console 

maarten baas: the plain collection   milan design week 2012 side tables

maarten baas: the plain collection   milan design week 2012 (left) floor lamp (right) pendant lighting

maarten baas: the plain collection   milan design week 2012 mirror with clay frame