Celebrating 1 Year of TFP Manchester! by The Furniture Practice

Celebrating one year of The Furniture Practice in Manchester

ONE

YEAR

T F P M A NCH E ST ER

ONE YEAR We are delighted to be celebrating our 1-year (and a few

With so much growth happening in Manchester and the

months…) anniversary here at TFP Manchester. Having

North, we are extremely excited to be working with many

started out in October 2018 with a team of just two, over the

industry leading businesses and design practices who are

last year we have welcomed four brilliant new team members

truly pushing the boundaries and changing perceptions of

to the TFP Manchester family and two new canine friends,

workplace design and the role of interiors in general. With

keeping up one of our favourite TFP traditions of having

TFP’s expertise, extensive knowledge and experience, we

office dogs!

hope that we too can help our clients and partners in creating beautiful, modern and functional spaces.

It’s been a busy and challenging, yet highly rewarding journey for us so far, made up of some fantastic new projects, new

In this anniversary editorial we wanted to celebrate some of

relationships with some of the most talented professionals

our life and work experiences so far and hope to give a little

in the industry and many inspiring and informative events,

more insight into TFP Manchester and what we do. We’re

workshops and trips with our trusted suppliers.

already looking forward to seeing what next year and beyond holds for us! Many thanks to all our clients and suppliers for your continued support. Jen Head of TFP Manchester

ON E Y E A R

Feat ures

p.4

Meet t he Tea m p. 6

Case St udy — Mat i l lion p. 8

Creat ive Work shops p.10

Sum mer Supper Club p.1 2

Stock holm 2020 p.14

Places We L ove

Cover: Joile Studio (Felix Mooneeram)

T F P M A NCH E ST ER

HELLO M A NCHESTER ! Meet the Manchester team.

Tom Ailes

Amy Carter

Jen Dunn

Account Manager

Head of TFP Manchester

What might we not know about you?

My surname is French and roughly translates to men with wings.

I was born in North Wales and went to Welsh-speaking

I was in the shooting team at school as part of our combined

schools right up to the age of 18.

cassette force – had a great aim! I also like to be asleep by 10pm on a school night.

What do you love about working in the furniture industry? It’s a people industry; I like that we are old school in our way

What do you love about working in the furniture industry?

of building relationships and don’t rely only on technology.

I’m constantly learning from the people around me, places

What do you love about working in the furniture industry?

I visit and projects I’m a part of. Every day is different and

No two days are ever the same, and no project is ever the

Do you have a favourite product or brand at the moment?

there’s an endless archive of product. Getting to do what I

same. We get to work with amazing designers on a daily basis

The Italian brand, Living Divani.

love is pretty great.

and the pace at which we work makes for a challenging but

What are you most likely to be doing outside of work?

Do you have a favourite product or brand at the moment?

Training or cooking/eating.

I’m a big fan of &Tradition right now. My top pick from

Do you have a favourite product or brand at the moment?

Stockholm 2020 would be the ATBO Cocoon Chair. My

My favourite chairs are Knoll Pilot and Carl Hansen Cuba —

Who or what inspires you?

favourite design icon is the Cesca Chair — a sculptural

both are simple but beautifully designed and made.

My dad’s pretty inspiring; he’s literally the hardest working

silhouette with as little design as possible.

interesting work life!

man I know.

What are you most likely to be doing outside of work? What are you most likely to be doing outside of work?

Walking Albert (my dog) and exploring the local countryside,

Exploring a museum, gallery or park (YSP is next on my list)…

reading in a quiet spot, and cooking — I love to cook!

or curled up on the sofa watching RuPaul’s Drag Race. Who or what inspires you? Who or what inspires you?

Good design, my grandma Dot, and my team (thank you for

From a design perspective it would have to be Ricardo Bofill,

everything you do!)

Marcel Breuer & Raf Simons. Pioneers in their fields who’ve produced iconic work that’s instantly recognisable.

ON E Y E A R

W E’ R E NO.10! February 19th was a particularly proud day at The Furniture Practice, as we were named one of the top 10 Best Small Companies to Work For! We placed tenth on our first entry to the awards, which is compiled by the Sunday Times in conjunction with workplace engagement specialist, Best Companies. Alongside this, we were also awarded the prestigious 3 star accreditation which recognises the highest standard of workplace engagement by the Sunday Times Best Companies Scheme, representing organisations that are leading the charge in showing extraordinary levels of workplace engagement within a business. b.co.uk/company-profile/?the-furniture-practice-108431

Dan Green

Emma Green

Ani Patag

Senior Account Manager

Account Manager

Project Manager

What might we not know about you?

I played the Cornet in primary school for about a month and

I am a huge history geek! I would much rather watch a

I can paint/draw realistic portraiture and oh, I really enjoy

I have never lived it down! Also, Emma Green is not my wife,

history documentary over a Netflix series. Also I really enjoy

watching UFC fighting.

sister, mother or brother!

watching snooker; I am going to a meet and greet in May to see one of my favourite players Ronnie O’Sullivan.

What do you love about working in the furniture industry? I love how we’re exposed to so many different projects, where

What do you love about working in the furniture industry? The people, the products, the trips, the variety of different

What do you love about working in the furniture industry?

we can explore new locations and meet people from different

projects we find ourselves working on.

Every project I have worked on is different from the next, I

walks of life (from the client side, down to the installation

am constantly learning. I also love how creative the industry

team). I also have a genuine interest with furniture and find it

is from the people to the brands

rewarding when the final install comes together.

always been a big fan of Carl Hansen. Honest design where

Do you have a favourite product or brand at the moment?

you can really appreciate its construction is generally what

Vitra is probably my favourite brand, however I am really

My favourite product and forever will be is the Chieftain

I’m drawn to!

enjoying brands like &Tradition and Menu at the moment, too.

chair by Finn Juhl.

What are you most likely to be doing outside of work?

Renovating my house. If you ask me again in 10 years I’ll

I will most likely be at bootcamp classes training for my next

Waiting on hand and foot my miniature dachshund,

probably say the same thing!

bootcampathon or planning my next festival.

Clementine This involves plenty of dog walks.

Who or what inspires you?

From a work point of view there’s a range of really inspiring

My colleagues past and present, all of whom I have learnt so

My colleagues — I learn so much from them on a daily basis.

people in this industry that I’ve been lucky enough to get to

much from.

Do you have a favourite product or brand at the moment? I love the new BEAM table from Established & Sons & I’ve

know and all for completely different reasons, but I can’t name names! From a design point of view people like the Bouroullec Brothers are really inspiring due to the broad range of design they produce, from product & furniture design through to art and installations.

T F P M A NCH E ST ER

Matillion A LT R I NCH A M, U K DE SIGN: JOLIE ST U DIO

The Project:

The Suppliers:

When Matillion — a UK-based developer of cloud data

&Tradition, Hay, Muuto, Northern, Offecct, Workstories

integration software — partnered with Manchester-based design practice Jolie Studio, the vision was to create a

The Client:

new office that encouraged increased social activity and

“We strongly suggested TFP to the client as we were very happy

collaboration between staff.

with our previous experience with them on other projects, and the client trusted that our relationship with them would make

The TFP Manchester team worked with Jolie Studio to

a difference. Jen and Dan have the knowledge to answer all

complete Matillion’s new Altrincham office, which features

of our and our client’s questions; since we are able to specify

a mix of open plan desking, breakout and meeting room

what we think would suit a project from an aesthetic point of

furniture, lockers and reception area pieces. The end result is

view, they bring all the information we need to ensure it will

a beautiful, contemporary space where Scandinavian design

work. Working with TFP means having a strong and reliable

meets Silicon Valley cool with plenty of open plan integration

partner on a project to make sure we deliver the best together.”

and natural light.

Chloe Cotard, CCO, Jolie Studio

Open plan and private work areas

ON E Y E A R

“we are able to specify what we think would suit a project from an aesthetic point of view, they bring all the information we need to ensure it will work.” Chloe Cotard, CCO, Jolie Studio

Open plan and private work areas

Breakout area with tiered bench seating

Matillion, Altrincham, UK

Integrated bench seating Breakout space for informal or group meetings and discussions.

T F P M A NCH E ST ER

Creative Workshops Over the last year, TFP has been lucky enough to sample the work of various local independent designers and makers. From creating terrazzo coasters to hand-weaving a Christmas wreath, the team and many of our contacts and clients have developed a wealth of knowledge in many unique crafts.

Katie Gillies

Lucy Charlotte Jewellery

Definitely a favourite of TFP, Katie is an incredibly talented

Lucy Durkan is a Manchester-based designer and jeweller

surface and product designer from Nottingham. Working

creating handcrafted pieces paired down to its purest forms,

with jesmonite, Katie creates colourful terrazzo surfaces and

designed for wearability and longevity. She uses traditional

products, each piece being totally unique.

silversmithing techniques using recycled materials to create

katiegillies.com/workshops

beautiful jewellery. lucycharlottejewellery.com

Studio Nonsense Headed up by artist and horticulturist Jeanette Ramirez

Poppy Wild Floral

and Alex Newton, Studio Nonsense is a plant studio based

Obviously destined to become a florist, Poppy left the world

in Manchester and Barcelona. With a focus on interior

of interior design in London to create beautiful arrangements

landscaping projects, their mission is to make better spaces

with all sorts of flowers. Using perfectly imperfect flowers,

by bringing vegetation indoors and enhancing wellbeing one

her style celebrates their texture, form and natural movement.

plant at a time.

poppywildfloral.com

nonsense.studio

ON E Y E A R

Katie Gillies

Studio Nonsense

Lucy Charlotte Jewellery Poppy Wild Floral

T F P M A NCH E ST ER

Following last year’s spring furniture fairs in Stockholm and Milan, we brought together some of our favourite newly launched pieces, a delicious Italian feast and excellent company in TFP’s Summer Supper Club, hosted at the much-loved Foundation Coffee House.

SUM SUPPER The well-known coffee space was transformed for the

Following on from the success of our Spring Supper Club in

evening into a dining space and lounge, featuring pieces such

London, for the Summer edition in Manchester we once again

as the Fat Lounge and Stool Collection by Tom Dixon, Linear

collaborated within the talented teams at Italian Supper Club

Table and Benches by Muuto, Sejour Lounge Chair by Gubi

and Urban Flower Company who, respectively, prepared an

and Fritz Hansen’s JH97 Fred Lounge Chair.

impressive summery five course menu and beautiful floral displays to complement the space.

ON E Y E A R

MER R CLUB

T F P M A NCH E ST ER

Our picks from the Stockholm Furniture Fair 2020

STOCK HOLM 2020

Sustainability, tactility and workplace wellness took centre stage at February’s

Above:

Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair, which takes place each year in the Älvsjö

Rope Chair, Artek

district of the Swedish city and welcomes roughly 40,000 visitors from 60

Designer: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

countries each year. TFP’s 80-page Stockholm Report 2020 offers insights on the standout exhibitions and pop ups from across the city and fair, as

More like a silhouette than a solid block, the Rope Chair is a line drawing

well as key design themes, notable colour directions and product launches

translated into three dimensions, a simple artistic gesture rendered in space.

from over 50 furniture manufacturers. You can access the full report here:

Where other chairs dictate a specific way of sitting, the Rope Chair invites

thefurniturepractice.com/stockholm-furniture-fair-report-access

creativity in posture, encouraging dynamic movement and changes in position. When the sitter rises, the chair’s frame bears the traces of the body

Here are a small selection of the product launches TFP Manchester are most

it last supported, the imprint of a user who co-defines its shape.

excited about...

ON E Y E A R

Rap Lounge Chair, Andreu World Designer: Pearson Lloyd The Rap collection for Andreu World features an elegant wooden wraparound back and is available as lounge chair and two- or three-seater sofa. Rap allows the user to relax or use the chair as a work tool, with additional functional components, such as auxiliary tables,

BM0488, Carl Hansen

anchored on the sides fixed or rotating from the front legs. Rap illustrates how, in current

Designer: Børge Mogensen

working environments, we continue to recognise that work is not always done at a desk. Consequently building supportive environments to facilitate focus and the sharing of ideas is

Shown

key to increasing productivity.

Cabinetmakers’

for

the

first Guild

time

the

Furniture

1958

Copenhagen

Exhibition,

Børge

Mogensen’s BM0488 Table Bench is being relaunched by Carl Hansen & Son as part of a growing collection of the renowned Danish architect and designer’s work. This multifunctional piece features intricate woven detailing and forms part of Mogensen’s ‘building furniture’ concept through which he conceived enduring furniture that could be added to and adapted over time, in response to changing needs and living situations.

Epic Collection, Gubi Designer: GamFratesi Named after the epic poems of ancient times, GamFratesi’s Epic Table for GUBI is a sculptural

Miss Åhus, Bla Station

piece of furniture inspired by Greek columns and Roman architecture. Made in Italy from

Designer: Sebastian Alberdi & Gustavo Maggio

travertine stone, the monolithic form emphasizes the materiality of the stone, the natural beauty of its veins, and the vibrant texture of its unique patina — in which a new detail can be discovered

Bla Station’s Åhus family has a new member in Miss Åhus, a slender and

with every use. The collection includes a dining table and three coffee table variations.

elegant chair to go along with the collection’s sofa and easy chair. With a uniquely shaped and slender form, Miss Åhus smartly frames the user with soft curved lines and slightly inclined back legs, all together an emotionally charged aesthetic with a female touch.

T F P M A NCH E ST ER

Places We L ove The city guide to our favourite places in Manchester

To Eat

To Drink

To Shop

Erst

Beatnikz Republic

Deadstock General Store

Sitting proudly next to their sibling, Trove in Ancoats,

Looking for a microbrewery and bar based in the Northern

What’s better than beautiful, hand-crafted objects? Beautiful,

Erst is more than just a ‘Modern European’ haunt serving

Quarter serving the city with craft beer, natural wines and

hand-crafted, useful objects, that’s what. With shelves full of

up chic food. Come by for a drink (natural vino & craft ales

laidback vibes? Beatnikz Republic is where you would want

them, Deadstock General Store is where you want to go to

feature predominantly), stay for a snack and settle in for

to be.

pick up a sturdy German-made umbrella, or an unsinkable

dinner, the honest and authentic offerings will not disappoint.

+ waterproof Bluetooth speaker for the bath. Genius, right? Visit:

Visit:

35 Dale St, Manchester M1 2HF

Visit:

9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS

beatnikzrepublic.com

46 Edge Street, Manchester M4 1HN

erst-mcr.co.uk

instagram.com/deadstockgeneralstore

Cultureplex

Mackie Mayor

Cultureplex is the new cool kid on the block, it is a lounge, café,

Form Lifestyle Store

Housed in an old Victorian market building, Mackie Mayor

bar, restaurant and cinema sitting within a 19thC warehouse

Down a cobbled backstreet, Form Lifestyle Store stocks an

hosts an impressive selection of restaurants, bars & cafés in

on Ducie Street. One for the design buffs, its interior allows

interesting collection of goods from independent makers.

a food-hall setting. Whilst not necessarily cheap & cheerful

for dwindling away hours sitting at the bar appreciating the

As well as playing host to regular workshops focused around

like one would expect of a market, it does offer variety and

hand-crafted terrazzo counters.

slow living, it is the perfect spot to stop in to pick up a gift (for

quality in its street fare.

you or for a close one). Visit:

Visit:

Ground Floor, Warehouse, Ducie St,

Visit:

1 Eagle St, Manchester M4 5BU

Manchester M1 2TP

6 Bradley St, Manchester M1 1EH

mackiemayor.co.uk

cultureplex.co.uk

form-shop.com

Mana

Matt & Phred’s

Mana, tucked away in Ancoats, is a celebration of British

Tucked away in the Northern Quarter, Matt & Phred’s is one

dining through a 16-course tasting menu. Surrounded by

of the UK’s finest jazz bars. Open 6 nights a week it plays

stunning design and treated with plates one would describe

host to artists from the worlds of jazz, folk, gypsy, electro and

as works of art, be sure to book to sample ex-Noma chef

swing. And to top it off, gigs are free Monday – Thursday.

Simon Martin’s genius. Visit: Visit:

64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW

42 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF

mattandphreds.com

manarestaurant.co.uk

Science & Industry

Ply

Concealed behind a hidden doorway at Cane & Grain,

Potentially the only place serving up Neapolitan pizzas

Science & Industry is reminiscent of an authentic speakeasy.

from a mirror tiled wood-fired oven, PLY doubles as a truly

The team have concocted an incredible cocktail list using

outstanding provider of sourdough pizzas and a venue

tricks they have picked up in the lab with the University of

for creatives – playing host to an interesting program of

Manchester’s chemistry department.

exhibitions and events. Visit: Visit:

49–51 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA

26 Lever St, Manchester M1 1DW

caneandgrain.co.uk/science-industry

plymcr.co.uk

Pollen Bakery If

you

don’t

have

‘pick

fresh

sourdough

from

Pollen’ on your Saturday morning to-do list, you’re not doing it right. Whilst you’re there, stay for a while and enjoy brunch canal-side followed by one of their infamous cruffins. Visit: Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ pollenbakery.com Rear cover: Joile Studio (Felix Mooneeram)

ON E Y E A R

Mana Restaurant, Ancoats

Cultureplex, Ducie Street

Deadstock General Store, Edge Street

The team at Erst

Science & Industry, Thomas Street Matt & Phred’s, Tib Street

A publication by The Furniture Practice London 31 Pear Tree St London EC1V 3AG +44 (0)207 549 5454 london@thefurniturepractice.com Manchester 29 John Dalton St Manchester M2 6DS +44 (0)161 509 5750 manchester@thefurniturepractice.com thefurniturepractice.com