It’s Formica® but not as we know it. Last week I ran a post on the return of Anaglypta wallpaper and how it’s becoming cool again. Well judging by the reaction of some people you’d think I suggested a wholesale return to the 1970s General Strikes and all.
There were, in the interests of fairness, a number who loved the idea too. But anyway, the link’s up there if you want to read it and make up your own mind.
Today’s Object of Design is another blast from the past – Formica®. Shall I pause a minute while you all shake your heads and remember your Granny’s kitchens and do a small huff and puff at my Madness …
Done? Right then. Look at this lot. As I say, not the chipped and curling stuff you remember is it. This is Formica® marquetry as created by Lucy Turner who uses laser cutting to create her designs.
The beauty of Formica® is also that it doesn’t fade, won’t yellow (like paint) and is heat resistant so it doesn’t matter if Tarquin spills his juice or Aunty Flo puts her tea down Without Using A Coaster.
Last year a book came out celebrating 100 years of Formica®, which included an essay by Peter York on its cultural impact. Oh yes. So I guess that, like Anaglypta, it’s time we re-embraced this practical, yet misunderstood, material.
Lucy says she has always loved Formica® and as a child would insist on going to a certain cafe because of the tables: “I have always loved greasy spoon cafes with their Formica® tables. I would always insist on going into a certain cafe when shopping with my mum in Bath because I loved the yellow Formica®.
Some great pieces Lucy. After the utilitarian uses in the 50s and 60s these laminates had a phenominal boost in the early 80s with wonderfully mad Memphis designs by Ettore Sottsass https://www.google.com/search?q=memphis+furniture&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=-FmJVK-aD6GL7Abm34HwCA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1264&bih=795
It was the punk of furniture, as a refreshing contrast to some of the over perfect and over refined Italian furniture in the 70s.
Ooh, I have seen these before and I absolutely love them. One day, I will have the geometric sideboard. Love, love, love.
Looking so fresh and lovely- well done Lucy ,I love the coral/ blue colourways- nice work.
Hi Kate, you may also like to check out the use of our bespoke printed laminate solution at William Morris Gallery (doors and washrooms), Union Jacks restaurants (tables) and Deli Comptoir Libanais (shop fittings and counters) to name a few in the London area alone…
We’re really trying to evolve the product into the 21st century with modern applications and designs, it’s great having customers like Lucy aiding us with the drive to change the historic perception of our materials and help us continue to grow into our 2nd century of existence as a company!
Thank you for your positive comments on the evolution of Formica products!
Love it, laser cutting is the perfect of handling formice, well done Lucy!
Lovely pieces…. Great way to add impact to a room. Have already been on Lucy’s website !!
lovely pieces, very inspiring!