Through a New Lens – ‘Inherited Perspectives’ by Lillie Thompson and Cristina Guerrero Fernández

Originally designed in 2021 by David Caon and Henry Wilson, the Alpine Chair is a tribute to traditional workshop chairs familiar to the Tyrolean region of Austria. Photographer Lillie Thompson and art director Cristina Guerrero Fernández document the Alpine Chair by Laker Studio through their photographic series ‘Inherited Perspectives’ and offer a new perspective of its shape, materiality and environment it is placed in.

Curious of the vernacular between its past and present form, Lillie and Cristina set out to explore the story behind Laker Studio’s Alpine Chair. Through this series, Lillie and Cristina sought to create a visual essay around the chair’s possibilities as well as its timeless form.

Curious of the vernacular between its past and present form, Lillie and Cristina set out to explore the story behind Laker Studio’s Alpine Chair.

Whilst upholding several references to the chair’s original form, David and Henry of Laker Studio also used contemporary design methods to reinvigorate the object. Crafted to be identical, each Alpine Chair is only set apart by the grain of the different timbers used. Moreover, the addition of the aluminium version extends upon the modern perspective of the classical chair. Focused on celebrating the Alpine Chair, Lillie and Cristina have placed it in a minimal and light-filled scene that captures how they can each transform the surrounds. Through their placement in the setting, each chair’s character, grain and grade allow for an in-depth study into its many iterations.

Originally designed to reference classic workshop chairs, the Alpine Chair is manufactured from solid timber in either American walnut or oak and, most recently, aluminium. Documenting through ‘Inherited Perspectives’, Lillie and Cristina interchange shadows and materials that embrace and enhance the chair’s functionality, so each can uplift the atmosphere of a home.