Opened in November last year, Homage specialises in contemporary design classics, reproduction 20th century furniture, vintage furniture, collectables, lighting, retro soft furnishings and artwork.
As well as being a retail outlet for residential and commercial clients, the focus of Homage is to inform and inspire people about good design. There’s a wide selection of books and DVDs on noted designers to provide customers with more information on the pieces they’re interested in and Kent himself is a walking textbook on most of the furniture in-store.
The patents on many 20th century furniture classics expired about 30 years ago, and since then many firms have had a go at reproducing some of the most widely recognised designs in the world. Kent is committed to telling people how to recognise which pieces represent quality.
“Just because a piece of furniture is a reproduction doesn’t mean it can’t be good. Do your research and know what you’re looking at. Study the designs and construction techniques and buy from reputable firms.”
Kent sources only top quality materials and has an exclusive agreement with a firm in China, to supply pieces to order. “We use the best quality Italian leather and our stainless steel comes from Korea. We’re in constant contact with our suppliers to ensure manufacture and quality is impeccable,” he says.
Stars of the Barcelona Fair
Some would say the Barcelona Chair, designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929, has become somewhat over-exposed due to recent interest in the modern International Style of architecture and minimalism, but there’s no doubting the stool’s impeccable pedigree. It was the first chair to be called a 20th century design classic and an original takes pride of place at Homage. Part of Kent’s personal collection, it’s definitely not for sale.
Mies designed the German pavilion for the Barcelona World Fair, held in 1929, with the pavilion from then on being referred to as “the glass box.” He also designed two chairs for the pavilion, especially for the King and Queen of Spain, thereafter known as Barcelona Chairs, with cues from the ancient Egyptian folding stool inspiring their design. Like the Barcelona Chairs, the pavilion crystallised the essence of modern design direction and both were adopted by the International Movement from that day forward.
Initially the chairs were designed for ceremony not comfort and, according to Kent, the Royal couple didn’t actually use them, but this didn’t hamper the design’s popularity which was produced by a German company for more than 20 years.
American company Knoll & Associates, owned by Florence and Walter Knoll, was, with Mies’ blessing, granted the rights to manufacture the Barcelona Chair in 1948 and production began in America from 1952.
The frame of the original chair was made from rigid steel and woven leather webbing. The new version was made in stainless steel, which gave it a natural flexibility.
“One of the advantages of reproduction furniture, apart from the price tag, is that issues such as ergonomics can be improved by using new materials and technology,” Kent says. “This has made the modified Barcelona chair more affordable, comfortable and accessible.”
Today, the Barcelona Chair is available in black, white, off white and tan leather.
The Knoll Sofa
Florence Knoll of Knoll & Associates designed this sofa in 1954. Covering is a wool and mohair blend and the narrow arms meant the design didn’t dominate a room.
Using famous designers such as Le Corbusier, Knoll & Associates carried out many top-end commercial fit-outs as well as residential projects however, Florence, a former student of Mies, was often called on at the last minute to design ‘fill-in’ pieces needed to complete a commission. She was known as ‘fill-in’ designer.
The Eames Chair and Ottoman
These two items were designed for Hollywood film director Billy Wilder and were made from moulded rosewood ply and cast aluminium with foam and down cushions upholstered in leather.
The chair and footstool also have a New Zealand connection. A Christchurch company manufactured the design classics in the 1970s under licence from American manufacturers and distributors, Hermann Miller, until the company started distributing its own range here.
“The New Zealand versions have several design differences and while they can be called vintage, they couldn’t be called authentic,” Kent says.
The Navy Chair
Designed by American company Emeco for use on US Navy submarines, these chairs had to be light and hard-wearing. An unorthodox but effective sales pitch from one of Emeco’s executives was to throw the chairs out the window of a four-storey building, proving their strength when they landed in one piece every time.
The Diamond Chair
Designed by Harry Bertoia, an Italian who immigrated to the United States in 1930 and whose work was influenced by his experience making glider parts during the Second World War.
Bertoia described the Diamond Chairs as studies in space: “They are mostly made of air ... space passes right through them.” They’re constructed from welded steel rods in a satin or polished finish, with a vinyl-coated version for outdoor use. The seat cushions are affixed with snap-locks and there’s a fully upholstered version available as well.
Happy Birthday to You!
“In the US, the Swan Chair is known as the power chair and is extremely popular for boardroom fit-outs,” says Kent. “People feel empowered when they sit in it.”
The Swan & Egg Chair(s), plus several other designs, are also available at Homage in children’s sizes but if adults are overcome with their cuteness, these diminutive classics are designed to cope with the challenge of extra weight. Now that’s good design.
