Bodleian Libraries Chair, 2014
Bodleian Libraries chair by Barber Osgerby for Isokon Plus.
The relationship between Isokon Plus and design duo Barber Osgerby is a long and successful one. The Bodleian Libraries chair sums up this success, being the winning entry to the highly coveted Bodleian Libraries Chair Competition, and only the third new chair developed specifically for Oxford's Bodleian library since 1756.
The chair draws inspiration from Vitra's Tip Ton chair, namely the sled base with a gentle upward curve towards the front, as well the environment for which it is designed. The rear of the chair, a strong vertical timber, echoes the spines of books in the library itself, whilst providing the necessary comfort for periods of intense study and research.
"Readers virtually live in the Bodleian," notes Jay Osgerby: "The brief said that it had to be comfortable for up to 12 hours of continuous use, which is a big challenge for any kind of seating, even a car seat because it's rare a journey would be that long. We worked a lot, through trial and error, to make sure the ergonomics were completely perfect... Having the tiniest amount of forward tilt is great because it allows the blood to flow more easily around your body; it's great for your posture and lower back."
The chair's circular construction provides remarkable strength and lightness, with comfortable armrests acting as a continuation of the seat-back to increase its ergonomic aspect.
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Description
Bodleian Libraries chair by Barber Osgerby for Isokon Plus.
The relationship between Isokon Plus and design duo Barber Osgerby is a long and successful one. The Bodleian Libraries chair sums up this success, being the winning entry to the highly coveted Bodleian Libraries Chair Competition, and only the third new chair developed specifically for Oxford's Bodleian library since 1756.
The chair draws inspiration from Vitra's Tip Ton chair, namely the sled base with a gentle upward curve towards the front, as well the environment for which it is designed. The rear of the chair, a strong vertical timber, echoes the spines of books in the library itself, whilst providing the necessary comfort for periods of intense study and research.
"Readers virtually live in the Bodleian," notes Jay Osgerby: "The brief said that it had to be comfortable for up to 12 hours of continuous use, which is a big challenge for any kind of seating, even a car seat because it's rare a journey would be that long. We worked a lot, through trial and error, to make sure the ergonomics were completely perfect... Having the tiniest amount of forward tilt is great because it allows the blood to flow more easily around your body; it's great for your posture and lower back."
The chair's circular construction provides remarkable strength and lightness, with comfortable armrests acting as a continuation of the seat-back to increase its ergonomic aspect.
Dimensions
65w x 51d x 47/82cmh
Materials
The upholstered seat features elasticated webbing for support, with an additional foam layer for comfort. The seat is upholstered in leather from a British tannery.
Made of solid oak in two available finishes: Oiled oak or Black lacquered oak.
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