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The Maker

Fred Rigby Studio

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The Maker

Fred Rigby Studio

Fred Rigby set up his studio in 2008, shortly after graduating from university. Since then, the studio has developed a sincere commitment to creating thoughtful interiors and furniture that take into consideration the surrounding environment and its communities. Their client list includes galleries, boutique hotels, Michelin-star restaurants and high-end retail stores, whilst their furniture artfully fuses natural forms with an elegant, contemporary aesthetic. We chat to Fred about his design process and where he finds his inspiration.

Fred Rigby outside his studio
Models and materials in the Fred Rigby Studio
What do you hope your pieces will add to someone's home?

All our pieces have a story and concept, almost like a sculpture. I hope they bring a point of interest to someone’s home as well as being a functional piece of furniture.

 

What is it about designing and making chairs that you particularly like?

I love creating something new, something that has never existed before. Although there have been millions of chairs created, there are always new concepts to explore.

 

What’s your favourite chair (that isn't one of yours)?

It changes on almost a daily basis, today it’s the ‘Aluminiumfåtölj’ by Mats Theselius.

 

With its simple, flowing lines, The Kidney Desk looks like its floating from certain angles
The informal and calm setting of Francis Gallery
Where do you find your inspiration? And whose aesthetic do you admire?

In the simplest of things, whether its a walk on the beach or the streets of London. They’re two polar opposites but I love the sculptures of Tom Sachs and Richard Serra, one whose work is built through found objects to create the sculptures, and the other minimal, but both have a personal story and raw honesty about their work.

 

What are the main challenges of balancing being a designer / maker / business owner?

This is the toughest part, flipping between wearing the different hats of running a design business. But I try to allot time in the week for different areas of the business, whether its developing new designs or catching up on Xero (the most boring part).

 

What’s the best book you've read recently, and the best exhibition you've been to?

I recently read Axel Vervoordt’s book ‘Stories & Reflections’ which is a beautiful book full of anecdotes from his life and career, which is obviously hugely inspiring. Prior to lockdown, I visited The Modernity showroom at 14 Cavendish Square, London, which is full of the most incredible furniture in a beautiful setting.

 

The Cloud Sofa, from the Francis x Fred Rigby furniture collection
Detail of The Cloud 360 Sofa
What percentage of your work is form / function?

Hopefully 50/50, comfortable sculptures!

 

Why is it important for you to make models before starting production?

So that we can get a grasp of the form and proportions of a piece.

 

What would be your dream project / collaboration?

It has to be Axel Vervoordt!

 

The Pebble Chair was inspired by beach-foraged stones
The Pebble Chaise Longue is curved as though weathered by the sea over time
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