“DesiGninG means creatinG order.”
“My designs take their orientation from their purpose. They’re based on technical solutions that I apply in a new way. Again and again, technology plays the central role in determining their form—that is, it’s the force of reason that pervades the design.”
BELIEF
Design for Peter Ghyczy is a kind of meditation. In search of new solutions to solve or improve existing problems, he designs with functionality in mind. Every GHYCZY design is timeless in aesthetic. Materials meticulously sourced. Hand craftsmanship managed by a select group of bespoke artisans. All of this amounts to a range of furniture that is a culmination of technical mastery and conventional luxury. The result of a designer’s solution and artisanal production process, nothing about GHYCZY is superfluous. For GHYCZY, statements need not be made in the look but in the feel of the product.
Influenced by his travels, inspiration comes from exotic cultures that have intrigued Peter Ghyczy. The use of gold in the Orient, the ageing of artefacts in Egypt and the nomadic lifestyle of Africans— it is all woven into the philosophy that is GHYCZY design. Each piece comes with a lifetime guarantee. GHYCZY designs are recognisable, yet not idolised, they are imitated but never replicated. They are collectables made to be experienced, all day, every day.
Born in Budapest 1st December 1940, Peter Ghyczy has lived a life of extraordinary experiences. Having grown up protected within the elitist world of an aristocratic family, Ghyczy felt the trauma of war first hand. His father died during the invasion of the Red Army, which saw him spend several years travelling between relatives and countries in order to stay safe from harm. Aged six, he was sent to Belgium by the Red Cross. Here, living with a host family of simple means, he was considered the class enemy. But it wasn’t to last. On his Mother’s insistence, life in an elite Hungarian boarding school followed. It was the year 1956 and the Revolution was in full force. For protection, Ghyczy was smuggled out of the country to join his Mother and Brother in Bonn, Germany. Knowing very little of the language, Ghyczy taught himself to speak fluent German with only a dictionary as his tutor. It was during his degree in Architectural Studies in Aachen where Ghyczy developed a curiosity for glass and all its properties. At the time, glass was difficult to source and production was expensive, but this didn’t deter his love of the material by any means. If anything, it was the source of inspiration for what is now known as the Pioneer Series. This series best demonstrates, Ghyczy’s use of glass as a constructive element that works to significantly reduce materials. A new way of design that became his signature and a unique foundation that inspired furniture designers, forevermore. While in Aachen, Ghyczy’s living quarters were housed in a beautiful estate yet, remained sparsely decorated. Lacking comfort, he set about furnishing his room with creations that were both functional and of the time. The first ‘Ghyczy’ Collection was unknowingly in the making. Using newly developed 15 mm glass plates and PVC tubing he found in town, he furnished his room in self-made pieces. Experimentation with design progressed with Ghyczy’s primary motivation being two things: materials and minimal waste. With design principles that hinged on innovation, function and construction, pieces were made to be light and moveable, easy to assemble and dissemble using the smallest amount of materials possible. It was what Ghyczy called ‘flat pack design’. Not long after he graduated, German studio Reuters offered Ghyczy a job to build a design centre, the first of its kind. After a small period interning at an
Architectural firm in Paris, Reuters was just what Ghyczy needed to allow him the opportunity to become an industrial designer. The company’s brief for Ghyczy was a perfect fit: to create non-commercial products while developing a design centre, with unlimited resources and total creative freedom. It was here that the experimentation with then new plastic ‘Polyurethane’ began. Ghyczy pushed the material to extreme limits. Inspired by a suitcase, the 1968 designed Garden Egg Chair was assembled to withstand outdoor conditions, relying on hinges and a lacquered finish to create total functionality. Iconic in look and innovative in design, the Garden Egg Chair and Reuters brought Peter Ghyczy international recognition. The people at Vitra were impressed and approached Ghyczy with a substantial offer. Instead of taking it, Peter Ghyczy began his own company, and worked with Vitra to produce a series of designs. With a passion for conceptual design waning, Ghyczy founded his own furniture design company. His aim was to move away from mass production, away from the idea of producing in order to sell and instead maintain a product’s value using high-grade materials. Throwaway fabrications and cheap manufacturing standards were not for Peter Ghyczy. A year of experimentation in 1973 saw him forge new directions in wood, glass and metal design. The first branded Ghyczy collection was then exhibited in Cologne, with table models T09 and T14 an immediate success. As the first designer to ever establish a clamping technique between glass and metal, it was in Cologne that Ghyczy’s original clamping technique was first seen by the public. Little did he know it would go on to be one of the most imitated ideas in modern furniture. Today, just as he did in the 1960’s, Peter Ghyczy designs with the idea of producing zero waste. Although born of fortunate means, a life lived under many guises has resulted in Peter Ghyczy’s modesty prevailing. Synonymous with modern industrial furniture design, the GHYCZY name stands by its lifetime construction warranty. A life of contrarian episodes and experiences, Peter Ghyczy designs’ reflect a very unique history. Quiet, composed and thoughtful, Mr Peter Ghyczy is in his element when at work. Every day, without exception, you will find him in the drawing room between the late morning and early evening, working on new solutions.
“The recent trend has been to hype designers by heaping on them titles like star designer, top designer and designer of the year. But wouldn’t it be nice if someone somewhere were to confer the title intelligent designer ?”
founder — Peter Ghyczy
P e t e r G hyc zy I co n s
1 969 Easy Chair otherwise known as GN2 Moulded to fit the arch of your back seamlessly, the Easy Chair is made from one piece of plastic— a design first for the 1960’s. An opulent outdoor essential, this Peter Ghyczy Icon is much sought after. Hence the abundance of poorly imitated versions that must be avoided if quality is paramount.
1 968 the Garden Egg Chair Historically known as one of the first chairs made with Polyurethane. The chair’s exterior is hard enough to withstand weather conditions, while on the inside a soft cushioned section promotes comfort. Worthy of interior use, it’s suitable for outdoors and considered a collectable.
1 970 Gl ass Shelving or the R03 Often imitated but never replicated. This design original is based on Peter Ghyczy’s invented mounted system. Floating glass. Sans visible fixtures. New heights in exemplary design.
1 972 the T09 Industrial in look, ths T09 is the penultimate symbol of modern industrial furniture design. Made to outlast tabletop dancing, coffee spills and coin scratches, the brass meets glass finish is a meeting of desirable materials.
1 973 the t14 A fine example of the Peter Ghyczy clamp technique. This double tiered, extravagant coffee table is designed with influences from the Orient. Commanding attention, the design is built to create conversation. When lost, look to the T14 for a tete a tete.
Materials, what they can do and how best to utilise them, has long been a concern of Peter Ghyczy. Having been born during the war, he has grown up observing people’s sparing use of materials—this is adopted in each of his designs.
Specially crafted techniques in glass, solid wood and casted metals have redefined design as gaining value, over time, aging only increasing the appeal of a GHYCZY piece. High-grade patina finishes outlast any other metal surface.
GHYCZY focuses on quality and creating the most rigid of constructions, using as little materials as possible. Glass is a main source of inspiration for Peter Ghyczy. Having been introduced to the material during his studies, he soon found a way in which to use this transparent and strong material, as a means of saving on waste. Never losing its value, or its appeal, glass has long been a main feature in GHYCZY designs.
A preservation for natural characteristics found in materials—cracks and wind knots in the wood or the irregularities created by the hand molt casting process is what has set GHYCZY apart from all other design houses.
“Designers are engaged in giving matter meaningful structure. Even inanimate matter is structured. The incomprehensible vastness of the solar systems and galaxies enthrals us, as does the microcosm of atoms.�
m at er ials
Metal All we see we create From the earth, the most precious of Metals. Made to age with the air we cannot see. The markings of which are invisible, The markings of that which cannot be sold. Time.
Wood We wait. We watch. We admire its formation. The lines of growth etched into every inch. A gift from the ground. Knotted. Woven. Kindled. And what we make of the beauty within it.
Glass Liquid like. But strong and constant. Soft but tactile. A work in progress. How the world is viewed. Perspectives. On a different pane. A fabric that’s unspoken, but exists all around. Somewhat delicate. Strong. Constant.
Textile Tapestries from where we begin. A woven history. Known texture. Trusted colours. A willingness to ebb to its use. Rich. Loving. A fabric filled with meaning.
“A mix of family history and logistics come together in the most idyllic of locations.�
hom el and
s wa l m e n
Nestled in the flatlands of The Netherlands is the home of GHYCZY. Swalmen, is a peaceful, idyllic sanctuary with roots that have laid the basis of many a creative mind. It was here that the GHYCZY firm grounded its roots in the mid 80’s. Here, Peter Ghyczy slowly developed a network of local suppliers and craftsmen who were able to produce and distribute his designs to his followers. Swalmen has nurtured the brand through many changes, yet the philosophy has always remained the same. The gracious showroom, filled with natural light and open plan layouts welcomes visitors to view the collection. A walk through ensures
customers can experience prototypes of new and current collections as well as limited iconic designs pulled from the archives. A calm, active factory sits adjacent and invites people to view production as it happens. Lastly, the homes of Ghyczy family members neighbour the headquarters in nearby Beesel, authenticating this close-knit business. Every step in crafting a piece of GHYCZY designed furniture is carried out with GHYCZY dedication to quality manufacturing. It is testament to the company that nearly all trained craftsmen and women have worked with the brand for over 20 years. GHYCZY pieces are designed, produced and maintained in one of the most beautiful regions of the country. From Swalmen, to the world.
Sustainability has long been a concern of GHYCZY, before it became a catchword for conservation. Using localised suppliers and a team of manufacturers based in the one location, GHYCZY provides the world with quality furniture, without mass production or waste. Located close to the Maas River, which runs from France and flows through Belgium and the Netherlands before draining into the North Sea, Swalmen is an area that has developed trade using natural resources. Sand casters have long used the Maas to generate energy for their production, while the river has also been a lifeline for some of Europe’s most lush forestry. GHYCZY has long maintained relationships with producers and suppliers within the local area, thus reducing carbon emissions and minimising waste. For over 30 years, GHYCZY’s Dutch based glass manufacturer has produced quality grade sheets of glass to specifications. Wood sourced from a
company based in South Germany supplies GHYCZY with naturally dried wood (which takes 3 years) of up to 6 meters in length. Sand casters based locally and just outside of Dutch borders understand every part of the GHYCZY process, with a relationship that has spanned over 30 years. Cabinetmakers just a bike ride away, tailor their schedules around GHYCZY orders, smoothing over every detail and surface until sealed with approval. Local stainless steel distributors source the finest in Finnish and Italian steel delivered direct to the GHYCZY production house. However much the brand has grown, the team that supplies GHYCZY remains boutique and within a short drive away. It’s another aspect of the company that makes it unique from the next. Furniture made and crafted by hand. Superb natural materials sourced by excellence. Quality that sustains generations of use.
Su s ta i n a b i l i t y
Legend GS
Glass supplier
MS
Metal supplier
MF
Metal finisher
CM
Cabinet maker
C CU G
Groningen GS
Casting Casting & Upholstery Galvaniser
Rotterdam
Netherlands
MS
Rh in e Ri r
CM
ve
MF MF G
Eindhoven
MF CU
DĂźsseldorf
CM
C
Belgium
Germany Liège s Maa
R i ve
r
Maintenance and R e fu r b i s h m e n t
Made to last a lifetime of use, every piece of GHYCZY furniture leaves Swalmen with outstanding design and construction using high quality, natural materials. Every design naturally ages with grace, continuing a story that progresses with time. With GHYCZY’s high grade Patina finishes, any changes to the surface of metals, only adds character to the complete design.
Each element that makes a piece of GHYCZY is easy to care for, using a range of products developed inhouse. The basis for every design covers a range of varieties of glass, wood and metal. Using GHYCZY designed and produced care products ensures long lasting, high quality maintenance. Each material that makes a GHYCZY design complete, is supported by an endorsed cleaning agent and care product, used whenever an owner decides it time for a touch up.
For those that want to go a step further, GHYCZY When maintained, GHYCZY warrants that each piece welcomes a complete refurbishment service. will last beyond generations of daily use. And with Here, your piece of GHYCZY designed and produced over 40 years in the industry, it’s a tried and tested furniture returns to where it was first created. guarantee. World–wide auctions, high-end antique A well-timed process results in a piece returned to retailers and museums proudly display and trade in a near new finish. Reconditioned, polished, treated iconic designs made and crafted by Peter Ghyczy, and reassembled, it is delivered once again as dating back from his very first prototypes. glorious as when it first arrived.
Craftsmanship is paramount to creating supreme furniture. At GHYCZY, every part of an assembled design is painstakingly made and refined by the hands of people. Although rare German made machinery assists in the process, nothing by GHYCZY is solely left to be cut and processed by an automated system.
treated patina surfacing. Signed by the craftsman who made it and numbered and registered to its rightful owner— each piece that forms a GHYCZY can be traced back to its original creator. Skilled after many years of experience, it takes 6 years of training before a craftsman can become part of the GHYCZY family.
Distinguished in its look, GHYCZY pieces are made unique by its distinctive hand made finishes. Nothing about a GHYCZY is mass-produced, instead offering customers’ personalised design and construction crafted to client requirements.
Craftsmanship like this takes time. And time is luxury.
Excellence in hand poured casts. Aged wood, polished to distinction. Sanding with hand precision. Hours of drying and wood staining. Elegantly hand
Every GHYCZY creation leaves the factory after scrupulous inspection awards it a seal of approval through. Care like this, only comes to those that love their craft. A passion for handmade excellence is what makes GHYCZY unlike any other furniture company in the world.
“While it certainly does me good to be able to fiddle with creation, perhaps even optimising some small screw or other, the truth sits, somewhere between the extremes of a designer being thought of as a charlatan, or respected as a creator.�
craf t
The Drawer Carefully selected wood from Southern Germany is dried for 3 years, with a further 4 months spent in a drying chamber. A 3-step process sees the raw planks cut at right angles into precise thickness. Glued together to determine wider planks, the basis of the drawer is made. Like a puzzle, all the parts are glued together to create a seamless drawer. Johan, sands and retouches all edges to near perfection.
The Colour The wood is sanded and stained to client specifications using a water-based colour. After a day, the first layer of lacquer is applied. A further day passes for the lacquer to harden and a second layer is then applied. Another day goes by before sanding commences. The entire process is then completed after a 3-day wait, when a final layer of lacquer is applied. Kay executes every step using only environmentally sound products and age-old utensils.
T H E t 5 3 s tory The making of a GHYCZY piece spans several weeks, using locally sourced materials and lovingly assembled by a well-versed team. The T53, a classic in design, uses brass that is void of lead and is one of the most requested models in the GHYCZY folio. Here is a brief description of how the T53 is made.
The Frame Made from stainless steel tubes sourced from either Finland or Italy, quality control of the highest standards ensure the tubes are suitable for outdoors and made from environmentally friendly processes. Arriving in 6-meter lengths, Pascal saws each piece to specifications in-house. A 3-step process sees the tubes sanded from raw into a finer look. A further 2-step hand polishing process takes each piece to a mirror finish. Rik then hand welds the frame together, while Pascal removes welding binds through further sanding and polish. The Clamp The clamp is casted by two long-standing suppliers based in Belgium and Germany. With liquid metal
poured by hand, the mould is cooled down after a day and the membrane is milled to create definition. The clamp is then sanded from raw to fine in a 3-step process by Frans. Holes are then made, again by hand, in the clamp and screw thread. Polishing completes the entire process to a superior finish. Assembly On completion, the screws and protective felt is put in the clamp and connected to the stainless steel tube. All parts are then cleaned before Head of Production and Quality Control, Jean Pierre applies a natural protective coating, completing this entire process by hand. Checked for quality of finish, size and construction, the T53 is then ready to be flat packed and shipped.
“The notion of good taste, which, while problematic, has always had a central function in society.�
collections
THE pioneer series The foundational series under the GHYCZY name, this avant-garde collection pays homage to the clamping technique that made Peter Ghyczy a pioneer in his field. After playing with fabricated 15 mm glass plates first developed in 1960, the Pioneer Series was designed around glass being the central construct. Each glass plate floats within these designs clamped in several places, essentially holding the construction together.
Ghyczy
•
•
•
Features the Peter Ghyczy trademarked clamping mechanism Function centres on the original use of 15mm glass plates With minimal joining fixtures, a smooth and seamless construction dominates
The Pioneer Series
THE Biri Series A delicate way of creating an infinitely strong frame, Peter Ghyczy designed the Biri Series around cubic-based construction. Able to be customised in an endless amount of combinations, each design’s clean finish doubles as ornamental and subtly functional. Named after the strong and constant figure in Peter Ghyczy’s formative years, Nanny Biri, each design is hard working in purpose yet graceful in finish. Built upon the idea of never-ending lines and geometric forms this series is all about refined simplicity.
Ghyczy
•
•
•
Allows for an extraordinary amount of design and material combinations Seamless base and top construction allows for a unique design feature Continual lines are created through seamless construction
The Biri Series
THE e m bas sy s e r i e s Raised within the sheltered confines of embassy estates around the world, Peter Ghyczy became privy to many movements in design. Function to GHYCZY, became about intelligently opulent design. Based on the floating glass idea that forms so many GHYCZY creations, the Embassy Series works with thin glass, and minimal materials to make for strong, yet muted designs.
Ghyczy
•
•
A strong protective frame which gives the design its character Structurally commanding, archetypical in its design, in line with design collectables
The Embassy Series
THE du e t S e r i e s Minimalist when it comes to materials, the Duet Series promotes the illusion of space. A hidden beam connects two, two-dimensional surfaces that are both parallel and symmetrical. Deceivingly structured, a supporting bar hidden just under the top gives the look of a ‘floating’ surface. In actual fact, this structure is immense in strength.
Ghyczy
•
•
Invisible joints, polished through to perfection are pleasing on the eye Hidden beam detail marked with the traditional GHYCZY sand casted icon
The Duet Series
THE p i vot s e r i e s With this series being structured around a T-bar or crossbar, zero screws and minimal fixtures are in play. Instead, everything centres on a single mathematically driven construct. Peter Ghyczy describes the Pivot Series as having design principles that are not unlike a deck of cards, where a simple slit and slide mechanism can make for the most pivotal construct. Once again, contrasting and unconventional design come together to create something very functional.
Ghyczy
•
•
•
Mathematically constructed for supreme sturdiness Minimal use of elements due to structural precision Unobtrusive construction allows for a variety of material combinations
The Pivot Series
THE s a fa r i S e r i e s A collection of influential pieces that have developed the GHYCZY name throughout households around the globe. Having pioneered new ways in which to use materials, Peter Ghyczy believes the Safari Series describes a design philosophy. Pieces in this collection are made to be easily movable, for the sophisticated nomad. Designed with convenience in mind, adaptable, functional pieces made from the finest quality materials, define this collection.
Ghyczy
•
Structurally moveable, refined materials combine to make for comfortable, functional lounge pieces The original clamping technique is used in combination with minimal joints to create sturdy frames
•
The Safari Series
“What lies beneath the most seductive outer form may in fact not be up to the strain of everyday life. Not infrequently, mutations arise and are released into the wilds of the market, although they aren’t fit for survival and may not even strive to be. This phenomenon has often borne strange fruit, especially since design took up with art. The pages of design books and magazines are littered with chairs no one would want to sit on. I embrace people customising my designs to suit their individuality. To me it’s a form of flattery.”
private
P r i vat e Co ll e c t i o n A series of collectable antiquated pieces by GHYCZY. Adored and collected by museums and vintage dealers around the world, these sought after pieces are now available to the public. This archive of historical designs is now marked with the signature of Peter Ghyczy. Each piece is completely unique, and will only increase in value over time.
— 1990 —
Chair—S03 A nod to the popular ‘Director’s Chair’ of the time, this twin legged design was a true statement. A swivel effect allows for the user to move as they please, while in complete comfort.
— 1982 —
Small Table Handles—T21 Handles to the side of this table allow for mobility and ease of use. Unlike the heavy, uniform coffee tables of the time, this design proved popular in being multi-purpose.
— 1987 —
Lamps—MW05 Halogen lamp design, this piece was first inspired by the new halogen bulb of its time, both revolutionary in its ability to emit light and dim to the users desire. With an attached blind function, light is guided and directed for dual functions. Directed upwards, it floods a room with light like a ceiling fixture. Directed downwards, it can be used as a reading lamp.
b y a p po i n t m e n t GHYCZY recognises that everyone requires design that works for them. With this in mind, the team behind the creation process welcomes complete customisation of any current or past GHYCZY piece.
— 2014 —
Writing Desk A variation of the favourite T48 model, Ray requested a writing desk come complete with a wooden top. Here, two Pivot style frames are used at the base, for a strong construction. Light to carry, the T-bar embedded within the frame allows for immense legroom, especially for Thijs. To finish, stationary can be hidden away in the solid oak tabletop, as an additional drawer sits inconspicuously underneath.
— 2015 —
Parquet Table Charlotte requested that the flooring of her former home, be used in a signature GHYCZY design. She wanted to bring a much-loved family home into her new environment. The parquet flooring was used as a table top of a coffee table. The frame, rigid in construction features the floating parquet flooring and glass overlay.
— 2007 —
Dining Table with Fitted Lamps A special request from Francesco, this was made for a private library. Using the T3456 as the base structure, the idea was to create a place for a bibliophile. Adjustable lights mean ambience and function come together through four singular light spots. Invisible clamping allows for elegance in a fixed lamp sans unsightly cables.
“Designing can only be regarded as a spiritual passion.�
a mbition
With a list of clients that includes royalty and luxury fashion designers, GHYCZY is a company that graces the lives of some of the world’s most stylish people. A company with a long family history, and a design ethos that is based on quality, GHYCZY provides every customer with service, care and dedication. We want people to enjoy GHYCZY well after we have delivered. We want pieces to become familiar to those that surround them, that use each design. We want each piece to become part of someone’s story. Until now, GHYCZY has produced furniture for those that have sought out these award winning designs. Almost collectable in its creation, every piece is unique. Yet, because of GHYCZY’s distinction from other furniture companies, and its much replicated ideas, we know that GHYCZY designs are something that people are familiar with. You may have been in contact with a GHYCZY and not even realised. That is the subtle signature that our company has developed in every piece.
Today, GHYCZY is set for a new era. Everything about the company will stay the same. The care taken in the Swalmen based creation process. The designs that emerge from Peter Ghyczy’s drawing room. The way in which we all, as one furniture family, take pride in everything we do. For the first time, in a long time, GHYCZY will be made available around the world, with minimum effort for the customer. New showrooms will display our collections, new collections will be revealed seasonally and new collaborations will make the GHYCZY name a little less obscure. We at GHYCZY want everyone to be able to distinguish quality unlike anything else. We want the world that has inspired these designs, to be able to use these designs. We want to offer ourselves to a wider audience, so that Swalmen can supply the world with everything we believe to be the best in quality made furniture. Felix Ghyczy Managing Director
Colofon
Thanks must go to the following brands and contributors:
Concept Matte, Felix Ghyczy
Gwen Hetaria www.290sqm.com www.covanderhorst.nl www.droog.com www.hannekevandepol.com www.hay.dk www.matterofmaterial.com www.m-e-k.nl www.polspotten.nl www.restored.nl www.sixandsons.com www.two-o.com
Creative Direction, Art Direction and Design Matte Copy Retna Wooller Photography Tjitske van Leeuwen Styling Bregje Nix
Ghyczy Office / Design Center / Showroom Reubenberg 25 6071 PS Swalmen • The Netherlands +31 (0)475 50 4422 • info@ghyczy.com www.ghyczy.com