COLLECTION

PAIR OF BODY CHAIRS BY JIM WARREN PEARL DOT 1979 YOGA CHAIR SLATTED ASH CHAIR

An important and rare pair of chairs designed by Jim Warren and produced by Pearl Dot, England, they date from 1979. Very cleverly designed to reflect the whole human body, in its function and the positions the human body may pose in the practice of yoga, in its uniqueness in that no two humans are the same and also the two sides of man, light and dark.

The chair incorporates three symbolic forms as in Chinese philosophy, the square is the order and knowledge of man, as in the machines used to create the components of the chair. The circle is Chaos and Truth of Nature, represented here by the lumbar support that can be adjusted to suit people of varying size. The Triangle is the symbol of Heaven Earth and Man, this can be seen in the various positions the chair takes.

The chairs are in good vintage condition. The ash slats are a wonderful warm colour contrasting with the black metal details.

Both chairs can be used in either of the upright positions or can be put into the lounge chair position.

They come with the original paperwork outlining Jim Warren’s ethos behind designing the chairs. Each chair is stamped with the Chinese symbol and pearl dot.

ST1231

The body chair by Jim Warren

It is recognized that modern design has disregarded meaningful and symbolic detail in an attempt to design for ‘Universal Man’. In the past, however, objects not only incorporated physical qualities, but also symbolic ones, thereby giving artefacts. Some true worth and life meaning; for it is the role of symbols to give life and meaning to man.

Reflections of the human body

While bearing these incongruities in mind, I have tried to evolve a design for a chair which attempts to redress this imbalance. The source of inspiration of the chair and its requirements came from the human body and the various positions it may pose in the practice of yoga. It incorporates the following to a greater or lesser degree. Firstly, the chair is a reflection of the whole human body. They physical functions of the chair are to support the body in various positions of repose, in a graduation from the lounging to the upright position. Without its support, gravity would make such postures uncomfortable to maintain. Secondly, as no two humans are exactly alike, neither are any two pieces of ash or other wood. Thirdly, the light between the slats represents the light side of man, whilst the black details symbolize the reverse. Fourthly, gravity’s assistance rather than resistance is used to give the chair life through movement and sensation in the rocking positions.

Inherent strength

The chair incorporates the three basic symbolic forms, in sympathy with Chinese philosophy, The Square is the ‘Order and knowledge of man’. In this instance machines have been used to create the component pieces of the chair. The circle ‘Chaos and Truth of Nature’, physically represented here as a lumbar support, symbolizes the flow of energy to the solar plexus. The triangle, the symbol for ‘Heaven, Earth and Man’ is manifested structurally in the positions the chair takes and reflects this form’s inherent strength. As for comfort, the lumbar support can be adjusted to suit people of varying size. Support pads for the seat and headrest may be obtained which slide between the slats according to individual requirements. The philosophy these chairs attempt to demonstrate only becomes clear through a period of living with them. In this way I try to turn experiments into experiences.

Jim Warren.

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