Anson 06
During the early 1960s in Mataró, Spain, Joaquim Anson (the father of artist Martí ANSON) developed a range of furniture inspired by modern designs with the aim of offering an affordable and fashionable custom-made range for a growing Catalan middle class who could not afford the ‘real’ objects. Yet Anson did not consider himself a designer and he worked inconspicuously providing functional and versatile solutions for his family, friends and clients. His design repertoire included lounge chairs, occasional tables, modular shelves, high chairs, and even toys, and was mostly produced in the light wood known locally as flanda (Flanders pine). Yet Anson stopped producing a decade later as he felt the initiative had become too commercially oriented and that the close relationship with his customers had began to wane. Forty years on, Martí Anson has undertaken extensive research to recuperate this social service project of his father (who kept little documentation of his work) and has begun to produce furniture again under the company name JOAQUIMANDSON. This is the rediscovered designs’ first public exhibition; a range of new prototypes is presented alongside a 1960s lamp by Catalan designer Miguel Milà which has been lent for the occasion, and posters documenting the history of the furniture company.
Anson 06
During the early 1960s in Mataró, Spain, Joaquim Anson (the father of artist Martí ANSON) developed a range of furniture inspired by modern designs with the aim of offering an affordable and fashionable custom-made range for a growing Catalan middle class who could not afford the ‘real’ objects. Yet Anson did not consider himself a designer and he worked inconspicuously providing functional and versatile solutions for his family, friends and clients. His design repertoire included lounge chairs, occasional tables, modular shelves, high chairs, and even toys, and was mostly produced in the light wood known locally as flanda (Flanders pine). Yet Anson stopped producing a decade later as he felt the initiative had become too commercially oriented and that the close relationship with his customers had began to wane. Forty years on, Martí Anson has undertaken extensive research to recuperate this social service project of his father (who kept little documentation of his work) and has begun to produce furniture again under the company name JOAQUIMANDSON. This is the rediscovered designs’ first public exhibition; a range of new prototypes is presented alongside a 1960s lamp by Catalan designer Miguel Milà which has been lent for the occasion, and posters documenting the history of the furniture company.