British furniture brand Morgan sits down with designer Magnus Long. 'A successful creative collaboration doesn't just rely on the individual merits of those who come together on a project. We believe collaboration finds its most beautiful and powerful expression when both sides bring something different to the table, free of egos, united by a quiet, relentless resilience to create something unique.'
Photos: Morgan Furniture
Long believes every piece he creates must have something to say, a clear point of interest. Barricane, Long muses, 'speaks of durability and lightness', a design conversation that talks to the strength of its construction and the delicate translucency of the cane work, a dialogue of duplicity, exploring both the complexity of its creation and the simplicity of its aesthetic. 'I always look for elegant solutions in my work – where the clarity of the form belies other complexities. For Barricane I wanted the design to have a very clear and simple silhouette, playing with translucency within a clear, welcoming frame. The forms and curves are complex, with several intersecting lines and fixing points. I don't think we ever really made a compromise to the purity of the design because Morgan constantly handled the challenges, and we worked together to find that elegant solution each time.'
Creativity, self-sufficiency, and craftsmanship
A visit to the factory floor revealed our caning production, a material that had long been a source of interest and excitement for Long. 'I had been looking for a way to work with split cane for many years, due to its translucency, strength, and the fact that it is wholly natural material so when I visited Morgan's factory, the opportunity was immediate.' Long explored how its tactility could become central to Barricane's design by introducing a radio weave design and bringing a modern take to this heritage material. 'It's not a material often used in chair design. It has this lovely point between craft and modernity'.
A collaborative spirit
A collaboration is a process: the coming together of people, opinions, and visions that culminate in one single, solidified expression. Morgan Furniture's partnership with Magnus, the design and development of Barricane, has been a journey of joy, courage, and determination. 'Morgan is a family company and has been very welcoming with a collaborative spirit throughout. Real value is placed on integrity and honesty, and I've never had to hold back saying what I'm thinking, and neither have they.'
More information:
Morgan Furniture
www.morganfurniture.co.uk