New Objectivity – Living Edge and E15

With roots in the rational lines and reductionist forms of modernism, e15 was founded upon a notion of radical simplicity. 25 years on, the German company showcases an exceptional collection of furniture with sustainability and a pure use of materials at its core.

That is not to say, however, that e15 – the business founded by architect Philipp Mainzer and designer and art director Farah Ebrahimi – is not driven by a creative spark, as this year the brand introduces the prolific work of German architect and interior designer Richard Herre into its collection. An important representative of the New Objectivity of the 1920s and an influential figure in the German Werkbund in Stuttgart, Richard Herre’s work has only recently been re-discovered and ties into the e15 ethos with aplomb.

This year the brand introduces the prolific work of German architect and interior designer Richard Herre into its collection.

Of particular interest are a pair of Herre releases from 1926, the STUTTGART Chair and the ZET rug. Regarding STUTTGART, the chair illustrates the geometry and rationality inherent to much of Herre’s work. Milled from solid wood, it has a curved backrest that embodies traditional craftsmanship and is optionally equipped with an array of removeable seats. As with all e15 furniture, the chair is crafted from PEFC certified oak or walnut from sustainable forestry. The ZET rug, meanwhile, is made from pure, hand-spun sheep wool – the exceptional use of colour and imaginative spatial references hark back to the spirit of New Objectivity, for which Richard Herre was so well regarded. e15 has also used its 25th anniversary to present updated interpretations of its existing collection, offering a new palette of colours and materials to capture contemporary design sentiment. For the first time, e15 has introduced a selection of Kvadrat/Raf Simons textiles to its pieces. Similarly, the Philipp Mainzer designed Hiroki Table and Enoki Side Table have been introduced in metal for the first time, re-emphasising their essential and minimal form. Once more, the move reinforces e15’sfocus on meaningful, sustainable and enduring products, while updating for the contemporary lens.

Available locally through leading furniture retailer Living Edge, e15 may still be best known for its Backenzahn stool and Bigfoot dining table, both utilitarian and robust uses of timber. With the release of its 25 years collection, though, the brand is strongly placed to expand upon its timber-centric emphasis and continue its push for considered materiality and quality in furniture design for many years to come. Fans of Richard Herre will certainly be celebrating as the collection becomes available through Living Edge this year.

Richard Herre’s work has only recently been re-discovered and ties into the e15 ethos with aplomb.