Before training as a cabinetmaker, Mark Gabbertas spent eight years in advertising, an experience that helped shape his audience-driven approach to his craft. "The design of an object is heavily influenced by an appreciation of the commercial realities that surround it," he says. "If a great-looking design does not sell, perhaps it is not such a great design." His Scoop Collection (2007), with its flowing, minimalist shapes, has all the elements of great design – and offers the comfort of an upholstered chair but without any cushions to worry about. Unique to Scoop is the herringbone pattern that's integrated into the organic, circular flow of each shape, woven from Textilene® vinyl. The contoured seats – a shape that is known as the Gloster "sling" – have a layer of padding sandwiched between the weave, thus eliminating the need for additional cushions and making Scoop a truly "outdoor upholstered" collection. Brushed stainless-steel accents further the material interest. The Scoop Nest offers a private space for intimate conversation, and its large cushion (necessary because the Nest seat is not a contoured sling) is upholstered in Sunbrella® fabric, which resists fading or mildew, even when exposed to extreme sunlight, temperature and moisture. Scoop is suitable for residential, hospitality and contract use. Made in China.
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After eight years as an account manager at the advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, Mark Gabbertas was ready for a change. He set up his design studio in 1992 after completing cabinetmaking apprenticeships with the London workshop of Stemmer & Sharp Design and James Codrington Furniture in Somerset. From the beginning, Gabbertas' objective was "to produce innovative and elegant designs that owe nothing to the vagaries of fashion." He intends each piece "to stand the test of time and retain its freshness through an understanding of proportion, materials and production techniques."
Soon Gabbertas' work grew from projects for small private clients to large commercial organizations, including an outdoor public seating system for Tate Britain, a table collection for The Conran Shop, and outdoor pieces for Gloster. The Royal Festival Hall showcased Gabbertas' work during the London Design Festival. Read more >
