GORDON RUSSELL'S LEGACY
Keith Grant talks about the considerable impact that Gordon Russell has had on the design world. How his lecture on the subject of crafts made to the Royal Society of Arts is still quoted today. He also describes the lasting impact he made by his work in establishing and then heading up the Design Council, creating high standards both for practitioners and in design education. Jeremy Myerson tells how Russell’s prophecy about the correlation between hand and machine production has been brought in reality by digital manufacturing.
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL CHAIRS
Trevor Chinn describes the impressive qualities of this ‘completely engineered’ chair, which was designed in 1960 by Dick Russell. The chairs had to be strong, to simulate pews, to stack, and to be used around a table. Martin Blakeman, who was an apprentice at the time of their manufacture, tells their story from the apprentice’s point of view and also talks of their lasting strength. Not only did these chairs fulfill their remit, but Laurie Wolder then describes how they went on to bring in new commissions in the United States.
Revival of the British Classic: The Coventry chair in collaboration with Luke Hughes watch the video below:
Further video showing the Coventry chair: past, present and future here