The porter’s chair, as the name suggests, was originally produced for gatekeepers who were in charge of screening guests in and out of the building. Due to the location of the chair, being situated so close to the front door, it was purposefully designed to envelop the gatekeeper. The shape, best described as a holllowed-out egg form, has a very high enclosed back that kept the gatekeepers relatively warm from the cold weather that would leak in through the front door.
Today, the traditional chairs hold the same formation as they had in the 14th century, yet many have been adapted by modern-day designers to suit current aesthetic demands. Jimmie Martin is just one of these designers that has applied a contemporary stamp to these historic chairs.
Furniture and Interior Design Specialists, Jimmie Karlsson and Martin Nihlmar, are the playful designers behind the brand Jimmie Martin. The duo are best-known for bringing ‘the unthinkable to life’ through their elaborate designs. The pair have illustrated their unique ability through their various designs of the ultra-modern, yet traditionally-shaped porter’s chair.
Jimmie Martin, as a studio, has a rare consistency that runs through its contemporary designs, each piece is created as a one-off piece. Although the studio avoids consistency throughout its designs, one main style that is evident throughout its designs is the use of graffiti. This design has been used on a number of pieces within the collection and is a popular choice with Jimmie Martin’s clients. The use of graffiti is exemplified on Jimmie Martin’s London studded porter’s chair where a use of leather, a lively turquoise velvet, industrial studs and a gold metallic spray paint has been applied to truly differentiate this design from other contemporary updates.
Applying individual designs to existing frames, that originate from various locations such as hotel lobbies, Jimmie Martin is able to keep the original formation of the notable design of the porter’s chair. Many of these frames include the original intricate, flowing carved detail that is part of the existing frame. This carved detail can be found in many of Jimmie Martin’s porter’s chair redesigned works, which keeps an aspect of the traditional design to a newly renovated piece.
Each and every chair is specifically uniquely designed and showcases talented hand-painted artwork. Whether it be graffiti, typography or even photography there are no limitations to the design of these chairs.
Where it all began
Jimmie Karlsson and Martin Nihlmar produced their first elaborate porter’s chair back in 2013 for an exhibition located in New York. Having considered tackling the porter’s chair previously, the duet sought after a truly eye-catching piece for this exhibition to showcase their creativity and skills. This resulted in a porter’s chair bejewelled in a luscious gold spray-painted design, accompanied with an intense studded embellishment which drew in crowds at the exhibition.
Three years on, Jimmie and Martin have produced over 20 various designs of porter’s chairs, all commissioned for various clients with unique designs to complement and enhance the interior environment they are intended to inhabit. All designs are instantly attention-grabbing and have benefitted from trendy and stylish updates, featuring a play of ideas and quirky fabrics and finishes.
A variety of upholstery fabric in various vibrant, energetic colours have been used to produce numerous designs throughout Jimmie Martin’s porter’s chair collection. One of these designs, known as the white and purple porter’s chair, was injected into a residential scheme in London’s fashionable district, Soho. For this particular design the use of a vibrant purple velvet adorns these chairs contrasting with the white leather and white humble interior of the apartment, providing a statement focal point to the room.
Jimmie Martin has modernised this historic chair with impeccable attention to detail held in each and every design. The studio approaches each design with considerations, aspects and details that enhance the chairs and make them stand-out to produce the ultimate eye-catching statement piece within an interior concept. The combination of ideas, from both Jimmie and Martin, have provided a place within modern-day interior schemes for a more traditional piece that has benefitted from a contemporary update. These updated pieces lend themselves effortlessly as a statement piece within a contemporary interior scheme, becoming the focal point of a room and truly offering that wow factor.