The design process for the furniture was not so far from the graphic design and advertising work the studio does. Finding a manufacturer, however, was more complex due to the short deadline and the limited budget. Farrington identified Sussex-based manufacturer Elite Composites, which constructed the furniture in five weeks.
In 2007, Studio Tonne was commissioned by Imperial College to create a large art installation. The result was a 200m-long noticeboard, illustrated with graphics inspired by the College’s roots in science and technology, Graphic designer Studio Tonne’s first furniture product, a family of modular
‘The client has been very open to new ideas with both projects, it is pretty amazing to work with an organisation like this,’ says Farrington. Although the furniture remains officially unnamed, Farrington calls it Kitti Pins, after a toy named by his five-year-old daughter. ‘In a way, I see the seats as big toys,’ says Farrington. ‘I also see them like my extended family. I often visit them when I’m in London and make sure they are being looked after.’
Mass production is the next challenge for Studio Tonne, as for now, only a limited number have been commissioned. Farrington’s ambition, however, is to get involved
in furniture design, and architecture.
