PETER COOMBS Designer Jeweller Metalsmith
Adelaide South Australia peter@petercoombsdesign.com +61 419 031 440 www.PeterCoombsEyewear.com
Copyright Š 2014 Peter Coombs Design. All Rights Reserved.
In 1985 I made my first pair of spectacles whilst studying for a Bachelor of Design (majoring in Jewellery and Metalsmithing) at The University of South Australia. They were reminiscent of 'Jules-Verne-under-the-sea-theApocalypse-is-coming' and very much about what was going on in the '80s - clunky but funky. From there evolved a 30 year eyewear relationship exploring alternative, innovative ways to form and colour a variety of metals. It has always been important to me that there is art, expression and individuality expressed in each piece. The hinge element design and mechanical function has been an ongoing intrigue and has become the defining feature of my work. I like to think of my eyewear as 'Jewellery for the Face'. All pieces are rare if not one-off designs and many have been the result of private commissions over the years. Some I have just made because I needed to prove that I could. In these pages are a selection of some favourites and a creative journey which is not likely to end here. Peter
"To describe the alchemy of Peter Coombs' imaginative eyewear, you'll ďŹ nd the words not only in the austere principles of design, but also in the broader realms of storytelling, architecture, art making, mythology, engineering, history and culture. These are frames that conjure their power from a more ingenious place, fearlessly surpassing the boundaries of function to forge themselves into existence in an expressive ďŹ eld of vision dappled with humor, poetry and dreams." Gai Gherardi l.a.Eyeworks
TRIPLE SWIVEL | 1985 Inspired by 3D movie glasses and Par-can lights with interchangeable gels. Pairs made: 2 Frame materials: Black Chromed Nickel, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 120mm x 45mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK & Peter Coombs Design, Australia
TRIPLE SWIVEL
ELECTRO TORCH | 1986 A homage to deep sea divers that weld under water. Face shape design inuenced by port holes. Pairs made: 7 Frame materials: Black Chromed Nickel, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 120mm x 45mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK & Peter Coombs Design, Australia
ELECTRO TORCH
ASTO ROSAS | 1987 Inspired by a day spent strolling Hollywood Boulevard. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Mokume Gane (Silver & Copper) Dimensions: 164mm x 45mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia
ASTO ROSAS
CROSS HAIRS | 1987 An exploration of vintage cameras and complex intersecting viewďŹ nder patterns. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 134mm x 45mm
CROSS HAIRS
LATTICE | 1987 Inspired by a study of detailed Art Deco structures in and around Los Angeles. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 150mm x 38mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK
LATTICE
POST MODERN | 1987 Architectural/Scientific methodology influenced this design. This was the first Peter Coombs Limited Production frame and was the introduction of the Ebony nose-piece and hinge design that would evolve in the many frame designs to come. Pairs made: 20+ Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 130mm x 45mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia
POST MODERN
WAVE | 1987 Summer loving inspired. Beach shutters, wind waves and sails. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 150mm x 38mm
WAVE
REACTO LINOS | 1988 A study of intersecting lines and shapes in perspective. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Mokume Gane (Silver Silver/ Copper) Dimensions: 150mm x 37mm Collections: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Australia
REACTO LINOS
OCEAN MIRAGE (OM) & DESERT SUNRISE (DS) | 1990 Looking out to sea the moon sits low on the calm ocean surface. Upon the desert horizon in the distance the sun rises in the sky. Pairs made: 1 per style Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Titanium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 143mm x 45mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK (DS) & Peter Coombs Design, Australia (OM)
top | OCEAN MIRAGE bottom | DESERT SUNRISE
MINIMALIST | 1990 Simplistic design with architectural balance and Art Deco shapes. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 120mm x 45mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia
MINIMALIST
REACTO BASE | 1990 Intersecting cantilever hinges with supporting strength through layering. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, 24K Gold plate, Ebony Dimensions: 145mm x 41mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK
REACTO BASE
BRIDGE I | 1991 A homage to 'the machine' and to old Scottish railway bridges. The ďŹ rst Peter Coombs design to incorporate 100 year old compass design hinge. Pairs made: 2 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, 24Kt Gold plate Dimensions: 135mm x 47mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK
BRIDGE
DAGAZ | 1992 1950s styling. Coke Hip (Coke bottle styling) inspired. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 155mm x 40mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia
DAGAZ
CARGO I & II | 1992 Inspired by the Jazz musicians that played at Adelaide's Cargo Club in the early 90s. Pairs made: 1 per style Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, 24Kt Gold plate, Ebony Dimensions: 146mm x 38mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK (I & II)
CARGO
SANGRA | 1993 An evolution in the search for the perfect hinge arrived here with a spring loaded shock cord spawning a new design range and direction. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 162mm x 43mm Collections: Megane Kaikan Museum, Fukui Japan Accolades: Grand Prix Award - 1993 International Glasses Design Competition, Japan
SANGRA
GUSTAU | 1993 A design evolution of SANGRA and the second Limited Production range for Peter Coombs. Pairs made: 5 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 152mm x 35mm
GUSTAU
PARVALA | 1993 A design evolution of SANGRA and the second Limited Production range for Peter Coombs. Pairs made: 2 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 158mm x 42mm
PARVALA
PM2 | 1993 A design evolution of SANGRA and the second Limited Production range for Peter Coombs. Frame design works with round or ďŹ tted lenses. Pairs made: 15 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 146mm x 46mm
PM2
RHIANNA | 1993 A design evolution of SANGRA and the second Limited Production range for Peter Coombs. Pairs made: 8 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 146mm x 42mm
RHIANNA
SANGRAAL | 1993 Dream inspired - dark stormy clouds with the delicate morning sun breaking through. Pairs made: 3 Frame materials: Sterling Silver, Anodised Aluminium Dimensions: 150mm x 40mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK & Megane Kaikan Museum, Fukui Japan Accolades: Special Jury Award - 1993 International Glasses Design Competition, Japan
SANGRAAL
BRIDGE II | 1994 This design is a continuation of previous BRIDGE designs and explores the use of machined components. Pairs made: 3 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 140mm x 48mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK
BRIDGE II
SANTORELLO | 1995 Inspired by country landscapes incorporating a blend of owing hills and farm machinery. Pairs made: 4 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 155mm x 42mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK & Peter Coombs Design, Australia
SANTORELLO
CARGO III | 1995 Taking inspiration from the powerful Electro-funk vibe of the Cargo Club, Adelaide 1995. Pairs made: 2 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, 24K Gold plate, Ebony Dimensions: 165mm x 36mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK & Peter Coombs Design, Australia
CARGO III
GOGOLOVSKIA | 1995 A homage to the 50s fashionistas of Cannes. Pairs made: 4 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Stirling Silver, Mokume Gane (Sterling Silver/ Copper), Ebony Dimensions: 155mm x 50mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK & Peter Coombs Design, Australia
GOGOLOVSKIA
YABBY | 1995 This award winning eyewear set is an exercise in designing a construction method incorporating articulate sections, much like the tail of a yabby, with additional interchangeable lenses. Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 152mm x 38mm Collections: Megane Kaikan Museum, Fukui Japan Accolades: Jury Award (Futuristic Design) - 1996 International Glasses Design Competition, Japan
YABBY
SANGRA II | 1995 The mysterious masked Ninja... Pairs made: 1 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 165mm x 35mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK & Peter Coombs Design, Australia
SANGRA II
ROI PERDU | 1995 An ode to the industrial revolution. Spanning and intersecting shapes alter in proďŹ le as they are projected through the frame. Pairs made: 3 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 160mm x 43mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK
ROI PERDU
RAHN | 1995 The bridge was forged and machined from a single piece of aluminium, creating a beautiful owing line which has been highlighted by the detail of the 5-leaf hinge and soft texture of the ebony nose-piece. Pairs made: 3 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 145mm x 45mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK
RAHN
RAMY L (RL) & RHIANNA II (RII) | 1995 An extension of Bridge III lifestyle glasses, adding an edge of individuality... Pairs made: 4 (RL), 3 (RII) Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 145mm x 35 mm (RL), 153mm x 40mm (RII)
top | Ramy L bottom | Rhianna II
BRIDGE III | 1995 Another bridging style for the Peter Coombs design direction, introducing a new hinge design which becomes the iconic feature of future frames. Pairs made: 3 Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 160mm x 50mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK
BRIDGE III
PERRI (P) & MOCASET (M) | 1996 PERRI sports racy 50s styling while MOCASET struts an urban conďŹ dence. These styles mark the introduction of custom lens colours matched to anodised aluminium colouring. Pairs made: 3 (P), 15 (M) Frame materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 140mm x 32mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK (M) & Peter Coombs Design, Australia (M)
top | PERRI bottom | MOCASET
SEDUISANT | 1996 European stying inspired by famous Scottish artist, designer and architect Charles Rennie Macintosh. Pairs made: 4 Frame Materials: Sterling Silver, Anodised Aluminium, Ebony Dimensions: 142mm x 45mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK & Peter Coombs Design, Australia
SEDUISANT
MEGAW | 1996 Designed and produced for Megaw, a para-military character played by Peter Phelps in the post apocalyptic Australian ďŹ lm Zone 39. Pairs made: 2 Frame Materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 155mm x 40mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia
MEGAW
ZONES | 1996 A simpliďŹ ed version of MEGAW design which was designed and made for Megaw, a paramilitary character played by Peter Phelps in the post apocalyptic Australian ďŹ lm Zone 39. Pairs made: 3 Frame Materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 155mm x 40mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK
ZONES
SP8 | 1998 This design utilises the 2nd Generation of Peter Coombs machine styled hinge, marking the ďŹ rst of many face shapes and multiple colour/lens combinations. Pairs made: 15+ Frame Materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 160mm x 40mm Collections: Elton John Private Collection, UK & Peter Coombs Design, Australia
SP8
JONES (J) & DL | 1998 Extending the range from SP8 styling a relaxed, everyday shape. Pairs made: 4 (J), 2 (DL) Frame Materials: Sterling Silver, Anodised Aluminium, Ebony Dimensions: 150mm x 38mm (J), 146mm x 46mm (DL)
top | JONES bottom | DL
PLANK | 2001 Design inuenced by elegant shapes of the 1960s. Pairs made: 9 Frame Materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 145mm x 32mm
PLANK
COOK FLIP | 2002 This eyewear was commissioned by an eccentric inventor. Engineered with style for comfort and wearability. Pairs made: 1 Frame Materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 140mm x 48mm
COOK FLIP
ROS-01 & FRCD | 2006 Soft owing lines with golden and green hues inspired by autumn (fall). Pairs made: 5 (R), 2 (F) Frame Materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 145mm x 35mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia
top | Ros-01 bottom | FRCD
GIBB | 2006 Fire up your engines. Racy red is a stylish statement. Pairs made: 4 Frame Materials: Anodised Aluminium, Sterling Silver, Ebony Dimensions: 135mm x 27mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia
GIBB
PCD Elements - CURV Inspired by the curving nature of the human form. The colour is bronze, a mix of elements that combined are naturally warm, rustic and earthy. Currently made to order (2014) Frame Materials: Anodised Titanium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 145mm x 33mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia Accolades: Good Design, 2013 Australian International Design Awards. Gold Award, 2012 Design Institute of Australia Awards, SA. Winner, 2012 Sydney Design Awards.
PCD Elements | CURV
PCD Elements - OBLO Inspired by the neat, strong lines that form an oblong. The colour is Aqua, the colour of pure water as it reects a clear midday sky. Currently made to order (2014) Frame Materials: Anodised Titanium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 145mm x 31mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia Accolades: Good Design, 2013 Australian International Design Awards. Gold Award, 2012 Design Institute of Australia Awards, SA. Winner, 2012 Sydney Design Awards.
PCD Elements | OBLO
PCD Elements - DIAM Inspired by the equatorial diameter which splits the earth into two hemispheres. The colour is Opal, a natural mix of elements resulting in precious stones with iridescent purple ashes found in central Australia. Currently made to order (2014) Frame Materials: Anodised Titanium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 145mm x 29mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia Accolades: Good Design, 2013 Australian International Design Awards. Gold Award, 2012 Design Institute of Australia Awards, SA. Winner, 2012 Sydney Design Awards.
PCD Elements | DIAM
PCD Elements - MENI Inspired by the meniscus that forms when a liquid meets a solid form. The colour is Gold, an element which is naturally bright, rich and celebratory. Currently made to order (2014) Frame Materials: Anodised Titanium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 145mm x 30mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia Accolades: Good Design, 2013 Australian International Design Awards. Gold Award, 2012 Design Institute of Australia Awards, SA. Winner, 2012 Sydney Design Awards.
PCD Elements | MENI
PCD Elements - TYDE TYDE reects the natural balance of the oceans tide as it moves on shore and then o shore in rhythmical sequence. The colour is Emerald, a beautifully natural green with just a touch of blue. Currently made to order (2014) Frame Materials: Anodised Titanium, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 145mm x 30mm Collections: Peter Coombs Design, Australia Accolades: Good Design, 2013 Australian International Design Awards. Gold Award, 2012 Design Institute of Australia Awards, SA. Winner, 2012 Sydney Design Awards.
PCD Elements | TYDE
To be continued...