The Art of Collaboration – James Richardson Furniture

Building meaningful relationships – be that with clients, designers, suppliers or friends – is integral to James Richardson Furniture. This is unsurprising given the company’s first partnership was secured with a handshake deal in 1956 and, to this day, the JRF philosophy is based on authenticity and honesty. As Creative and Brand Director Georgia Danos says, the company’s longevity comes down to “approaching everything with integrity and care”. From igniting meaningful collaborations with local designers to trawling the city of Milan during Salone del Mobile, JRF is inherently inspired by the role of people in a design-led future.

The JRF portfolio encompasses both European and Australian brands with a large focus on the hospitality and commercial sectors. “We represent some incredible international brands, which is one of the reasons it’s so important for us to go to Salone. The other part of the portfolio, which we’re hoping to grow, focuses on collaborations with Australian designers.” Notable projects include the Apparel seating collection with Ross Didier, the recently launched Lil Chair by architecture practice Russell & George and a soon to be released range designed with Helen Kontouris. The company also worked closely with Woods Bagot in researching and designing furniture for the firm’s Hotel Continental in Sorrento. “We’re really working with the best in Australia to broaden the JRF range,” Georgia notes.

With the majority of its international brands hailing from Italy, Salone del Mobile holds great significance for the Australian based company.

The gamut of international brands includes Pedrali, Miniforms, Cizeta, Piaval, Manerba and more. TON, the home of the original bentwood furniture, hails from the Czech Republic and it occupies a special place within the portfolio. Georgia’s grandfather secured Australian distribution for the Thonet bentwood furniture on a handshake deal and JRF is now TON’s longest standing supplier in the world. Today, honing the JRF collection “comes down to expertise”. Different products and their diverse origins carry unique qualities ¬– each serves a distinct purpose and, in turn, enriches the collection. “TON’s factory is in the best location in the world for beech timber and some of the factory workers are ninth generation employees. That’s why you get Bentwood from TON,” Georgia states. Similarly, Italy’s enduring connotations with style, quality and artisanship bring unrivalled depth. “The Italians are the masters of what they do in furniture, so we go to them for specific products. On the other hand, if we’re working on projects with Australian designers, then we manufacture locally for the best results for that product.”

With the majority of its international brands hailing from Italy, Salone del Mobile holds great significance for the Australian based company. “Given our history with the handshake deal, it’ll come as no surprise to hear that meeting our partners in person is really fundamental for us,” Georgia says. The JRF team spend a great deal of Milan Design Week on site at the furniture fair, prioritising facetime with its established suppliers and exploring the novelties. “Without our suppliers, we don’t have a business. We’ve been partners with many of them for decades so being able to see them and reconnect to plan the year ahead together is just wonderful.” As well as this, Georgia’s curiosity ensures there is time to navigate the many aisles in search of new brands and exciting products. “This year, we had hours to just trawl the aisles to either be inspired – which we of course were – or to sneak out a few new things – which we did – so watch this space.”

Whilst introducing new brands is exciting, the company is measured in its approach to growth – no doubt fuelled by its long history and sound relationships built on longevity.

Whilst introducing new brands is exciting, the company is measured in its approach to growth – no doubt fuelled by its long history and sound relationships built on longevity. “We’re very committed to our existing suppliers and when we bring on a new brand, it’s always incredibly considered – it has to fit within the whole JRF portfolio, and it needs to have its own voice,” Georgia explains. “We want to support our existing brands, so it’s about finding gaps in our portfolio and where better to do that than at Salone? Because of the breadth of the brands that exhibit there.”

JRF’s trip to Milan also allows for a total immersion in the abundant creativity and energy of the city.
“We want to inspire our customers because we’re constantly inspired by them and the work they do,” Georgia says. “Seeing how design touches everything – from the fashion boutiques to the furniture showrooms, to all the installations and brands that come for Salone – it’s overwhelming and so inspiring.” The team visits satellite exhibitions and installations in between meetings and aperitivo with clients and friends. ‘Il Galateo – a journey into conviviality’, an exhibition presented by iconic Milanese jewellery house Buccellati, featuring work by Dimorestudio and Patricia Urquiola among others was a highlight this year. The exhibition saw each designer create a table setting reflective of their creative practice, using Buccellati’s historical silver collections. For Georgia, it was an enlightening experience and a lesson in the art of pursuing meaningful collaborations. As she says, a successful collaboration is one that celebrates the creative spirits of all involved whilst remaining true to a brand’s identity; a concept inherent to the JRF brand and one that will continue to inspire future partnerships.

JRF’s trip to Milan also allows for a total immersion in the abundant creativity and energy of the city.

The overt celebration of people and craft at Milan Design Week is perfectly aligned with JRF’s core values. The essence of the week – imbued with connection and creativity – informs the company’s everyday workings from its Australian base, and JRF balances these things just so. Its high-quality product offering and commitment to its clients and suppliers is unwavering yet, pleasingly, an opportunity to indulge in its creative side is never forgone.