Shops We Love: twentytwentyone
twentytwentyone
Twentytwentyone in London
âItâs hard to point to a single trait, since we look at both aesthetics and functionality, but we look for pieces with their own personality and story,â says co-founder Simon Alderson.
Founders:Â Simon Alderson and Tony Cunningham
Hiroshima Armchair: Designed by Naoto Fukasawa, manufactured by Maruni
âItâs really a chair that you have to see and sit in," says co-founder Simon Alderson. "Itâs beautifully detailed and destined to become a classic, since itâs rare to find craftsmanship with such quality and detailing. Maruni, a big Japanese furniture maker, has really only focused on this kind of contemporary piece over the last four or five years.â
Opening Date:Â 1996
Black Leaf Tea Towel: Designed by Lucienne Day, manufactured by twentytwentyone
âItâs a historical classic with strong graphic design, reminiscent of something by Alexander Girard. Itâs a fantastic work by a British designer made with Irish linen.â
Addresses: The main store is at 274/275 Upper Street, in Islington, London, while the showroom and offices are at 18C River Street, in the business district.
Vintage Alvar Aalto Table Model 91
âI thought it would be interesting to include a piece of vintage furniture, since thatâs where we got our start. Itâs a bold and big table for such a restrained designer, with chunky legs and decorative veneer. Itâs big for 1930âs standards, and still has labels and stickers on the bottom, including one from Harvey Nichols, the original importer.â
Phone:Â +44 (0) 207 288 1996
Pivo Bottle Opener: Designed and manufactured by Luke Smith-Wightman
âThis solid brass opener is the first piece by the young designer, and itâs a great example of simple execution. Itâs complex but doesnât look it. He approached us, and itâs a chance relationship that worked positively.â
Imbroglio Desk Calendar, designed by Jean-Pierre Vitrac and manufactured by twentytwentyone
âVitrac isnât a name designer, but the Frenchman did everything. This is a piece that we actually make ourselves. When you drag the magnet around the screenprinted front, you can highlight the dates. It continues to intrigue and amuse, whilst being a functional calendar.â
Shanagarry Sauceboat: Designed by Philip Pearce, manufactured by Stephen Pierce
âThis is a piece from a small, family-run Irish company started in the â40s near Cork. They do pottery the authentic wayâthe clay is dug locally and all processes undertaken by handâand they do a range of jugs, cups and bowls.â
Robin Day Reclining Chair: Manufactured by twentytwentyone
âWe worked with Day before he died, and produced furniture together. This is a midcentury classic; such a big, generous chair with a strong personality, with big wooden armrests perfect for a book or a drink, or now, a iPad or remote control. This was one of his favorite pieces, and really expressed his philosophy of comfort first.â
Sado Trivet: Manufactured by Apartment Japan
âWe sourced these through a colleague in Japan. Theyâre handmade and come from an island off Japanâs west coast. Theyâre so simple and beautifully made, with that small loop you can use to hang on the wall, you canât improve on them.â
Whatâs It All About:Simon Alderson and Tony Cunningham were both selling vintage pieces in Camden Market before teaming up and opening their own store in West London to sell (as the name suggests) the best of 20th and 21st century design. Twentytwentyone has since expanded, selling an array of contemporary and vintage furniture and accessories, producing its own pieces (including furniture by British designer Robin Day) and doing contract work for clients such as the Soho House Hotels.
Perpignan & Toulouse: Designed by Jasper Morrison, manufactured by Marsotto
âThese marble tables are indicative of the careful way that he designs. Thereâs a finesse that gives the furniture a personality without shouting. With so many of his decisions, you feel confident he will withstand the test of time. Thereâs a timeless quality, a solidity to the material. Theyâre just lovely things you want to run your hands around.â
PP 501, âThe Chairâ: Designed by Hans Wegner, manufactured by PP Mobler
âI mean, itâs other name is âthe chair.â Itâs really the simplest manifestation of a timber armchair. Itâs simplicity reveals its true beauty. It canât be made cheaply. It takes time to make something like this.â
Philosophy: "Itâs hard to point to a single trait, since we look at both aesthetics and functionality, but we look for pieces with their own personality and story," says co-founder Simon Alderson. "We carry classics from the 20th century, and when we look at contemporary pieces, we want to feel that itâs going to be a classic someday."
View our slideshow to see some of the storeâs favorite pieces.
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