blog

blog http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/rss New Products for Clerkenwell 2013 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/new-products-for-clerkenwell-2013/ 
news Bark announces new products at Clerkenwell Design Week 2013 
 
<a href="http://www.barkfurniture.com/[sitetree_link id=26]"><img src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/94474765735eff3e179869ed6/images/1_and_2_seat_small.1.jpg" width="389" height="209" align="none"/></a>
The Acorn One-Seater and Two-Seater

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If there’s one thing we love at Bark it’s coming up with a fresh take on a style of furniture; one that makes people smile.
And so we are delighted to announce the launch of our new Acorn One-Seater and Two-Seater chairs.
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 While the range itself has clear 20th Century influences, it feels modern, unpretentious, inviting and above all, fun.
 The upholstered seats are constructed from solid FSC Beech, while the chair frames are made from beautifully shaped, solid FSC Black Walnut. The chairs are traditionally upholstered, and deeply quilted, making them amazingly comfortable and supportive.
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<div style="width: 377px; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.barkfurniture.com/furniture/contemporary-seating/bark-jr-kustom-armchair/"><img src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/94474765735eff3e179869ed6/images/Indi_1.1.jpg" width="377" height="293" align="none"/></a></div>
 
<div style="text-align: left;">Bark Jr</div>

Here at Bark we trained in the field of bespoke cabinet making - and if bespoke means one thing to most people it’s “made to measure”. So when our daughter was around 8 months old we set out to make her a chair of her own. Realising just how much scaled down versions of our products appeal to little ones, we are delighted to announce the launch of Bark Jr. After all, why should the grown-ups have all the fun! We’ve kept to the same build quality, materials and finish to arrive at a range of products that will last generations, be handed down, and loved for years after we are all long gone. We started with the Kustom Jr. Armchair because we love it – and because it is one of the most complicated of our chairs to make.
 
<a href="http://www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com/"><img src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/94474765735eff3e179869ed6/images/CDW_2013_Logo_sponsor.jpg" width="199" height="88" align="none"/></a> Clerkenwell Design Week is just a couple of weeks away, and we sincerely hope that you get a chance to come and visit us!
All the best,
Lakshmi and Jonathan
 
 Mon, 06 May 2013 21:24:51 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/new-products-for-clerkenwell-2013/ Bark, Vivienne Westwood, Milan Salone Del Mobile, 9th-14th April http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/bark-vivienne-westwood-milan-salone-del-mobile-9th-14th-april/ news Bark on display at Vivienne Westwood's flagship Milan store 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">Vivienne Westwood hosts 'New British' with 100% Design</div>

<div style="text-align: center;">9-14 April, 10:30am - 7:30pm Vivienne Westwood Corso Venezia 25 20121 Milano</div>
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We are delighted to have been invited to participate in 'New British' at the Vivienne Westwood flagship store in Corso Venezia, Milan during this year's Salone Internazionale del Mobile, Milan Design Week from 9th-14th April 2013. One of Britain’s most innovative and distinctive fashion labels, Vivienne Westwood, has partnered with 100% Design in this unique collaboration featuring some of the best creatives in the Design industry currently working in the UK, including Bark. Our Kustom Armchair will form part of the exhibition. The ‘New British’ exhibition celebrates the revival of British small-scale high quality furniture and lighting production, showcasing carefully selected range of products spanning a range of designs and producers whose emphasis is on craft techniques and sustainability. The exhibition reflects a New British confidence in materials and the high quality of workmanship. Often produced using local craftspeople and materials with the application of the latest manufacturing technology, these pieces each reflect a passion for quality, a sustainable and considered approach to form and function, alongside a charm that transcends generations.
<img src="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/94474765735eff3e179869ed6/images/v.westwoodmain.jpg" width="211" height="241" align="none"/>
All the best,
Lakshmi and Jonathan Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:41:46 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/bark-vivienne-westwood-milan-salone-del-mobile-9th-14th-april/ Busy times since 100% http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/busy-times-since-100/ <h3>As 2012 draws to a close, we look forward to 2013</h3>
What a year 2012 has been !
The first couple of months were a blur, working flat out to fulfil a large retail order that was flown out to Hong Kong. Then we devoted all our spare time to developing the Kustom range, creating prototypes of the Armchair, Sofa, Coffee Table and Mirror in time for Clerkenwell Design Week. Once again, Clerkenwell was a hit.
Then we had a baby !
Two weeks after Indira was born we loaded up a van and headed to London for 100% Design. She wasn't in the least bit fazed ! We consider 100% Design 2012 as the show where Bark came of age. It is sometimes easy to forget that Bark is just two years old, but at 100% we met a number of important clients, signed up with a couple of agents here and abroad, and since we've been back the workshop has never been so busy !
One piece that we are particularly pleased with is the new rectangular Kustom Coffee Table, inspired by a bespoke design requested by one of our clients.
http://www.barkfurniture.com/furniture/contemporary-tables/kustom-coffee-table-rectangle/
We will also be selling a handful of our ex-display pieces to make some room in the workshop. I will be sending out full details of these in a separate newsletter which you should receive in the next few days.
All the best,
Lakshmi and Jonathan Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:22:40 +0000 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/busy-times-since-100/ New for 100% Design http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/new-for-100-design/ <h3>New for 100% Design</h3>
We are delighted to announce that Bark Furniture will be exhibiting at this year's 100% Design (Earls Court 19th-22nd September). You can find at stand L3. New for the show we are launching the Acorn II Chair and Bench, as well as a beautiful leather upholstered Kustom Armchair. Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:05:07 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/new-for-100-design/ British Business Embassy http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/british-business-embassy/ <h3>A big thank you...</h3>
First up, a big thank you to everyone who visited our stand at Clerkenwell Design Week last month. The response to the new Kustom Collection was great and we're already looking forward to next year's show.
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<h3>Best of British...</h3>
In the meantime, we are delighted that our furniture has been selected for inclusion in the British Business Embassy at Lancaster House during the Olympics and beyond. Our furniture will be placed in the Ministerial Lounge on the ground floor, which will play host to VVIP’s such as Richard Branson and other high level speakers including the Prime Minister and cabinet members.
The British Business Embassy, developed by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), is the centrepiece of the Government’s international business legacy programme. It will see over 3,000 UK and international business leaders from across the globe come together for an ambitious series of global, sector and country summits. Taking place at the world-renowned Lancaster House, the Embassy will stage a host of world class speakers including Christine Lagarde, Eric Schmidt, Sir Jonathan Ive, Howard Stringer and Daniel Ek.
The 19th century Lancaster House will be transformed to showcase modern art and design from both new and established designers, photographers, furniture makers, and sculptors, as well as displaying the very best in sound art and visual installations.
A total of 18 rooms at the British Business Embassy have been curated to highlight the talents of British or British trained designers and manufacturers. Direction was overseen by a creative panel, chaired by design leader and UKTI Business Ambassador Sir John Sorrell alongside Diana Yakeley, President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID).
Sir John Sorrell said: “The Games will ensure the eyes of the world are on London – the world’s creative hub. The British Business Embassy will provide an elegant and exciting environment in which international leaders will come to do business, whilst at the same time showcasing the breadth of our creative industries.” Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:22:40 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/british-business-embassy/ A rare day off... http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/a-rare-day-off/ <h3>A rare day off...</h3>
Today was a rare day off so we headed over to The Future Laboratory to catch up with our friends Martin Raymond and Chris Sanderson over lunch - such a fantastic building with a great creative energy and always plenty going on. If you want to know more about the way the world is heading, The Future Lab is the place to find out.
Next it was over to the Barbican to see Song Dong’s Waste Not followed by Bauhaus: Art as Life. These two shows couldn’t be more different – one being the accumulated refuse of one house over five decades, the other analysing the phenomenal work generated during 14 short years by some of the most accomplished creative minds of the 20th century. At the same time, they both hold equal relevance to the world we live in today.
The Chinese adage, ‘wu jin qi yong’ meaning ‘waste not’ was understood to be a prerequisite for survival. This is something that we in the modern world are still trying to come to terms with. At the other end of the scale, the pieces on display at the Bauhaus exhibition remind us how much the world we live in today can be linked back to ideas they conceived during the interwar years, some 80 years ago.
Tomorrow, Clerkenwell Design Week, Day 1! Mon, 21 May 2012 20:40:14 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/a-rare-day-off/ Clerkenwell Design Week - ready to go http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-ready-to-go/ <h3>the final preparations...</h3>
After a quick brunch in Walthamstow with family we headed back to the Farmiloe to finish setting up our stand. There’s nothing quite like being in the physical space for knowing where everything should go. So, as our carefully drawn up floorplan bit the dust, it was a case of juggling things around until it looked just right. Two hours later we were able to leave, feeling more than happy with the final layout.
A more relaxing day tomorrow before show time on Tuesday…
 
 
 Mon, 21 May 2012 20:34:21 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-ready-to-go/ Clerkenwell Design Week - the build http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-the-build/ <h3>Setting up</h3>
Although we have exhibited at Clerkenwell Design Week before, this is the first time we have had a stand in the Farmiloe Building. And the contrast between here and the House of Detention (where we were last year) couldn’t be greater. Last year we nearly killed ourselves carrying eight huge pieces of furniture and their respective stands down 300-year old, narrow, winding staircases into a damp crypt. This year our space is at ground level and just yards from where we were able to park the van. Yay!
We opted for a much simpler approach this year with just one piece requiring a stand. To make up for this, the lighting rig took an hour and a half to assemble (though Jonathan insists he tested it before we left. I have my doubts!) After a hard day’s graft – and in the absence of a cold beer (on account of my being six months pregnant), there was only one thing for it – hot chocolate and… CAKE!
 
 Mon, 21 May 2012 20:18:19 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-the-build/ April news http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/april-news/ As you can probably tell, we've been pretty busy over the last three months...
Having dispatched eight crates of furniture to Hong Kong, we've devoted all our spare time since then to designing and making our new collection. Due to launch at Clerkenwell Design Week in May, the Kustom Collection is made up of three new pieces inspired by fifties americana and they're all online now.
We've also undergone a complete website overhaul, which is now live and from hereon in you'll be able to keep up to speed on what we're doing via our new blog.
 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:41:18 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/april-news/ Happy New Year! http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/happy-new-year/ After a hectic run up to Christmas and a relaxing week off, we're back in the workshop and raring to go, which is a good job as we've plenty to do.
In addition to creating our next collection, to be launched at Clerkenwell Design Week 2012, we have been busy working with a new client in Hong Kong. Lane Crawford is a highly regarded retailer based in Hong Kong and we are delighted to announce that they will be stocking our Beacon Collection from Spring 2012. Until next month... Lakshmi &amp; Jonathan Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:44:33 +0000 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/happy-new-year/ October update http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/october-update/ <h3>The Biscuit Factory</h3>
The last few weeks have seen us racking up the miles delivering furniture to our customers – and to our first gallery in the north-east. We were delighted to receive an invitation from The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to exhibit three pieces as part of its Autumn Show. The Sofa, Coffee Table and Lounge Chair will all be at the Show, which runs from 9th September to 7th November. In addition, we have been asked to provide two further pieces from our Acorn Collection – Sideboard and Chest of Drawers – for The Biscuit Factory’s forthcoming Design Event next month. Design Event: The Good Life will run from 12th October to 14th November. For further information go to <a href="http://www.thebiscuitfactory.com">www.thebiscuitfactory.com</a> or simply pop along in person to The Biscuit Factory on Stoddart Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE2 1AN
<h3>Tent London 2011</h3>
With September almost upon us we are busily putting the finishing touches to our latest collection, which will be launched at TENT London 2011, as part of the London Design Festival. We’ve expanded our collection to include a number of accessories, as well as designing a brand new desk. But more about that next time… TENT runs from 22-25 September at the Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London E1 6QL. You’ll find us at stand H04.
<a href="http://www.tentlondon.co.uk">www.tentlondon.co.uk</a> Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:33:04 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/october-update/ The Beacon Collection http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/the-beacon-collection/ After months of hard work, we have finally put the finishing touches to our new collection. Building on the success of the Acorn collection, the Beacon range is all about expanding horizons and looking to the future. In addition to designing a number of new pieces, this month also sees the introduction of the bark motif and our first collection of fabrics and accessories.
The Beacon furniture collection consists of six pieces – a Desk Chair, Lounge Chair and Sofa upholstered in our new Beacon fabrics, and the Desk, Coffee Table and Side Table, which incorporate the bark motif through the use of marquetry. All six pieces are made from Ash, with the Coffee Table and Side Table accented with Black Walnut.
This month also sees the launch of bark’s first collection of home accessories, including the Abbott and Costello Lamp and Candlesticks, Casey Lampshade and Lottie cushions. The scope for design within the home is almost limitless and we have really enjoyed exploring new areas that take us beyond furniture. The challenge has been to find ways of translating our design ethos across a broader spectrum and we think that with the Beacon Collection we have succeeded.
All of our new work will be on show from September 22-25 at TENT London (stand H04) as part of the London Design Festival. We are also delighted to have our Chest of Drawers selected by ELLE Decoration as one of the top ten products at TENT this year. WIth more than 200 exhibitors, we think this is quite an achievement!
We're looking forward to a great week in London - and hope to see you there...
Lakshmi and Jonathan Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:28:41 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/the-beacon-collection/ July update http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/july-update/ After a hectic month designing and making in the workshop, last weekend we headed back down to London to deliver an Acorn Sofa to the Green &amp; Fay store in Islington. We are delighted that Green &amp; Fay have chosen to stock the Sofa and look forward to developing this relationship into the future.
<a href="http://www.greenandfay.co.uk">www.greenandfay.co.uk</a> <img class="right" src="http://www.barkfurniture.com/assets/Blog-images/Trees-For-The-Future.jpg" alt="Trees For The Future" width="238" height="90" title=""/>We are also proud to have made our latest donation to Trees For The Future. This is a US-based charity that uses donated funds to distribute tree seeds to areas around the world that have suffered from deforestation through natural or human means. Since we became a partner with Trees For The Future, bark has donated sufficient funds for 10,000 trees to be planted. It is our intention to have at least 2,000 trees planted every year and it is our hope that, as bark grows so will our donations.
<a href="http://www.plant-trees.org">www.plant-trees.org</a> Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:25:23 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/july-update/ June update http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/june-update/ Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who came to visit us last week at the House of Detention during Clerkenwell Design Week. We were delighted by the response, not only to the two new pieces but to the collection as a whole. We came home utterly exhausted but exhilarated too, and are already looking forward to our next show in London at Tent, September 22nd to 25th.
In the run-up to the show we were highlighted in both The Telegraph Saturday magazine and Grand Designs magazine. We were also contacted by Alison Cork, who writes a weekly column for the Evening Standard Homes &amp; Property section. As a result we will be running a reader offer in conjunction with the Evening Standard on Wednesday June 8th. We will be offering a 20% discount on the two seater Sofa in black walnut to anyone who places an order within seven days and quotes the reader offer code.
Between you, me and the gatepost the code is "WOOF" !
Until next month... !
Jonathan and Lakshmi Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:19:36 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/june-update/ Acorn Collection - Sideboard and Chest of Drawers http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/acorn-collection-sideboard-and-chest-of-drawers/ Well it's been a hectic couple of weeks. We finished the final two pieces in the Acorn Collection - Sideboard and Chest of Drawers. Both have been photographed and are now available to view online.
On Tuesday, May 24th both pieces will be shown to the public for the first time, at the House of Detention as part of Clerkenwell Design Week. The show runs for three days from 10am to 9pm. Hope to see you there. Wed, 11 May 2011 14:29:38 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/acorn-collection-sideboard-and-chest-of-drawers/ Wedding and Clerkenwell Design Week! http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/wedding-and-clerkenwell-design-week/ Well it's been a while, but we have been busy. First up, our wedding ! We got married on beautiful Burgh Island in South Devon on March 20th, and had a great honeymoon before heading back to Cornwall, and back to work !
Since we got back we have been working flat out to get ready for our first show of the year.
Why not come and visit us?
We will be exhibiting at the House of Detention, as part of Clerkenwell Design Week, between May 24th and 26th. The show is open from 10am to 9pm.
We will be taking two new pieces that are, for the moment, still under wraps. They have just recently been photographed, and we'll be sure to let you know as soon as they are on the website.
We'll be back in touch soon, but in the mean time, we hope to see you there !
Jonathan and Lakshmi Thu, 05 May 2011 14:34:22 +0100 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/wedding-and-clerkenwell-design-week/ Midcentury Modern http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/midcentury-modern/ Thanks to everyone who visited our stand at Midcentury Modern last month. We received some great feedback on the new collection.
We are now working on expanding our range to include a sideboard, chest of drawers and a footstool to accompany the Lounge Chair. These products will be available to purchase in February 2011.
In the meantime, you can track the progress of these pieces by following us on Twitter and Facebook.
Happy holidays!
Lakshmi &amp; Jonathan Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:27:31 +0000 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/midcentury-modern/ bark launches inaugural collection at Midcentury Modern http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/bark-launches-inaugural-collection-at-midcentury-modern/ This month sees the launch of The Acorn Collection by bark at Midcentury Modern in London.
Offering a fresh take on British-made, bespoke furniture, this first collection consists of six key pieces – the Lounge Chair, Dining Chair, Sofa, Dining Table, Side Table and Coffee Table.
The Acorn Collection harks back to a bold period in furniture design. The designs reflect the mid-century modern era, when confidence in proportion, modesty in detail and simplicity of construction were the defining characteristics.
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“As cabinet-makers, our love of hardwood and the patina created by the way it ages make solid wood construction the natural choice to remind us just how good furniture can look.”
</blockquote> Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:23:43 +0000 http://www.barkfurniture.com/blog/bark-launches-inaugural-collection-at-midcentury-modern/