goldsworthy is en pointe with the ballet collection for backhouse

goldsworthy is en pointe with the ballet collection for backhouse
all images © garth badger
above artwork: ‘land grabber’ by gavin hurley

the ‘ballet’ collection by new zealand design studio goldsworthy is a delicately balanced, emotive series of furnishings. composed for backhouse, the line consists of the ‘ballet’ chair and armchair and the ‘ballerina’ table. all three are constructed of laminated european ash, with blazer wood upholstery for the chairs.

‘ballet’ chair & ‘ballerina’ table 
artwork: ‘hydrangeas’ © derek henderson

aiming to give visual expression to the subtle intimacy of furniture, the dancer — who needs to be both sensitive and strong — became a perfect metaphor. the high back of the chair mimics the secure, supportive hold of a loved one. the armchair takes on a slightly more relaxed role; a generous and comforting seat that lends itself to the slower, appreciative moments in life. lastly, is the most visually discernible design, the ‘ballerina’ table. the conical shape resembles the tightly corseted waist of a dancer on the stage. all products are sustainably made in new zealand by backhouse. 

concept sketch for ‘ballet’ armchair 

scale model for ‘ballet’ armchair & ‘ballerina’ pedestal 

front 

the embrace of the armchair is generous and comforting

‘ballet’ armchair back

‘ballet’ chair front 

the high back is meant to be like the secure hold of a loved one

back 

the ‘ballerina’ table resembles a dancer with a tightly corseted waist

designboom has received this project through its ‘DIY submissions’ feature, which welcomes readers to submit their own work for publication. see more designboom readers submissions here.