In a 2007 conference, Norman Foster stated: “As an architect you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown."
In light of my research, I propose that Wymering Manor use furniture to symbolize history—that is, design for the now, awareness of the past, and preservation for the future. This is essentially unknown at times.
Historic Overview:
Wymering Manor, the oldest house in the Old Wymering Conservation Area and Portsmouth, was a high-status structure with expensive facades and delicate glazing. Its ashlar-dressed chimney stack and ornate interior design were designed to attract attention and serve as symbols of extraordinary wealth. The north gable end and a portion of the west elevation showcase its impressive features.
Wymering Manor has undergone numerous alterations over the past 400 years to accommodate new occupants and uses. However, our understanding of these alterations is incomplete and subject to change due to ongoing structural examination and restoration. The following pages provide a synopsis of key events in Wymering Manor's history, focusing on its famous owners and occupants. Old photographs accompany the text, starting with Thomas Knowlys Parr's ownership in the mid-1930s, who transformed the Manor into a country home. Parr completed several significant projects before 1908.
Fig 01: Historic College [Details collection from Wymering documents]
Context and Community:
A mix of residential and historical areas define the Wymering Manor neighbourhood in northwest Portsmouth, England. One of the historic structures in Wymering Park, the manor adds to the area's scenic landscape.
In the Wymering Manor neighborhood, community engagement with furniture entails building a relationship between locals and public areas. It is possible to plan public art initiatives and collaborative design workshops that incorporate furniture that represents the tastes and artistic expressions of the neighbourhood. Initiatives like storytelling projects and furniture swap events also help to create a lively and involved community, which improves the Wymering Manor area's overall quality of life.
Fig 02: Present Past and Future Presentation
The furniture represents history as well as being a part of it. Because of its associations with sounds, emotions, memories, and other elements, Wymering Manor House is aware of the significance of the furniture.
Michael Marriott:
I wanted lots of different things from different places, and I wanted things that told stories." - Marriott told Dezeen
Fig 03: 3d Section
Danish sculptor Nina Saunders is well-known for her works that transform everyday objects into sculptural objects not meant for practical use by spilling their amorphous contents onto the ground. Her pieces frequently feature vintage furniture, the exterior of a piano appearing to leak from its balcony, and floral fabrics flowing from chair to floor.
Nina Saunders is known for her unconventional approach to furniture, often transforming everyday objects into thought-provoking and whimsical sculptural pieces. Her work blurs the lines between functionality and art, challenging traditional perceptions of furniture.
The comfort sofa connects the first floor and the ground floor; it transforms into sculptures that aren't intended for daily use. Memories, feelings, and connection are all present in the furnishings, love seats, and armchairs on the ground floor. This red fabric and oak chair were inspired by Wymering Manor.
References:
https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/10/kiosko-michael-marriott-harewood-biennial/
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2018/12/nina-saunders-chairs/
https://www.wymeringmanortrust.org/
https://neubauercollegium.uchicago.edu/exhibitions/aps%C3%A1alooke-women-and-warriors
https://neubauercollegium.uchicago.edu/people/nina-sanders
Belinda Mitchell Matter of the Manor Material Assemblages report.
Belinda_Mitchell_Matter_of_the_Manor_Material_Assemblages.pdf
Comments
Post a Comment