For all the people who think designer objects need to make bold statements with attention-grabbing forms and materials, the revered British designer Jasper Morrison has a message: The quieter objects are often the better products.
Some of Morrison’s earliest creations, such as the 1986 Thinking Man’s chair, with its snaking tubular steel armrests, and the 1991 3 sofa deluxe, whose sculpted seat resembles an enormous wave (both produced by the Italian manufacturer Cappellini, one of the planet's preeminent producers of cutting-edge home decor), display the eye-catching moves that were expected among his contemporaries.
At the same, Morrison was clearly searching for a different language. In 1988, just three years after he graduated from London’s Royal College of Art, he stunned many in the design world with “Some New Items for the Home,” an exhibition in Berlin featuring simple plywood furniture he had designed and made himself as a direct rebuke to the over-the-top colors and geometries of the Memphis movement. As Morrison increasingly came to see statement-making design as flawed and wasteful, he began producing the subtler objects that eventually became his greatest hits and inspired a new generation of designers.
Morrison’s Glo-Ball lamps for FLOS, for instance, feature opalescent blown-glass diffusers that resemble ever-so-slightly squished spheres with a striking visual softness. Designed in 1998, the pieces were instantly popular and have remained a best seller for the legendary Italian lighting maker. Morrison’s Cork Family stools for Vitra, designed in 2004, have proved similarly timeless, with simple silhouettes reminiscent of thread spools whose unexpected material — solid cork — makes them particularly alluring.
By 2005, Morrison had befriended another designer working in a similar manner — Japan’s Naoto Fukasawa. That year, Fukasawa introduced his Déjà-vu stool for Magis at the Salone del Mobile in Milan and was dismayed when fairgoers barely noticed it. Crestfallen, Fukasawa talked to Morrison, who saw the scenario differently: The fact that people instinctively used the stool meant that it was successful. To cheer up Fukasawa, Morrison described his design as “super normal.” Morrison and Fukasawa latched onto this phrase as an ideal term for what they were up to.
Launched in 2006, Morrison and Fukasawa’s “Super Normal” — a traveling exhibition and a book that served as a visual manifesto — documented more than 200 utilitarian yet beautiful objects, ranging from a paper clip, a plastic bucket and a ballpoint pen to an Alessi citrus basket, Vitsoe’s 606 universal shelving system by Dieter Rams and Vitra’s Joyn office system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. That same year, Morrison began playing with extreme simplicity and introduced the Crate, a wooden bedside table for Established & Sons that was modeled on an old wine crate he used for his own bedside table.
Today, Morrison delights in finding the correct balance in his designs, turning out products that seem appealingly natural and precisely what they should be.
Find Jasper Morrison chairs, lighting, stools and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Thinking Man’s Chair Armchair by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An eloquent name for a product that invites contemplation. For the Thinking Man’s Chair, Jasper Morrison envisioned a design in which all the elements are functional contributions th...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$844Sale Price / item|20% Off
Set of 4 Air Armchair in Beige by Jasper Morrison for MAGIS
By Jasper Morrison, Magis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Air-Family takes its name from the “air-moulding” technology that makes it possible to create highly resistant yet super-lightweight products out of polypropylene added with fibregla...
Plastic
$809Sale Price / item|20% Off
Set of 4 Air chair in Black by Jasper Morrison for MAGIS
By Magis, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Air-Family takes its name from the “air-moulding” technology that makes it possible to create highly resistant yet super-lightweight products out of polypropylene added with fibregla...
Plastic
Low Pad High Armchair in fixed cover in fabric or leather by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Maximum comfort, minimum dimensions: this was the underlying study behind this design by Jasper Morrison. The Low Pad has a shell made of curved beech plywood paired with perfectly s...
Upholstery, Beech
Low Pad Small Armchair in fixed cover in fabric or leather by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Maximum comfort, minimum dimensions: this was the underlying study behind this design by Jasper Morrison. The Low Pad has a shell made of curved beech plywood paired with perfectly s...
Upholstery, Beech
Lotus (Attesa) Armchair in fixed cover in fabric or leather by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Optimal comfort for the Lotus (Attesa) chair, designed by Jasper Morrison. Both swivelling and tilting, the structure of the Lotus (Attesa) is made of beech plywood, with polyurethan...
Upholstery, Beech
$715Sale Price / item|20% Off
Set of 2 Folding Air Armchair in White by Jasper Morrison for MAGIS
By Magis, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Air-Family takes its name from the “air-moulding” technology that makes it possible to create highly resistant yet super-lightweight products out of polypropylene added with fibregla...
Plastic
$844Sale Price / item|20% Off
Set of 4 Air Armchair in Grey Antracite by Jasper Morrison for MAGIS
By Magis, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Air-Family takes its name from the “air-moulding” technology that makes it possible to create highly resistant yet super-lightweight products out of polypropylene added with fibregla...
Plastic
$809Sale Price / item|20% Off
Set of 4 Air chair in White by Jasper Morrison for MAGIS
By Jasper Morrison, Magis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Air-Family takes its name from the “air-moulding” technology that makes it possible to create highly resistant yet super-lightweight products out of polypropylene added with fibregla...
Plastic
$1,157Sale Price / item|20% Off
Alias 717 Tagliatelle Outdoor Armchair in Blue Seat with Stainless Steel Frame
By Alias, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alias 717 Tagliatelle Outdoor Armchair in Blue Seat with Stainless Steel Frame by Jasper Morrison Stacking chair for outdoor use with arms with structure in brushed stainless stee...
Steel
$1,073Sale Price / item|20% Off
Set of 2 Plato Chair in Black by Jasper Morrison for MAGIS
By Magis, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Plato chair designed by Jasper Morrison is versatile in use and well suited for domestic, professional, and public spaces - indoors and outdoors. Under- stated and with a neoclassical inspiration, hence the name that references one of the pillars of ancient philosophy, the Plato chair is the manifestation of a perfect balance between form and function. It features a sleek yet robust structure with a curved seat for maximum comfort. As Jasper Morrison declares, “a fully recyclable chair...
Aluminum
$1,073Sale Price / item|20% Off
Set of 2 Plato Chair in White by Jasper Morrison for MAGIS
By Magis, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Plato chair designed by Jasper Morrison is versatile in use and well suited for domestic, professional, and public spaces - indoors and outdoors. Under- stated and with a neoclassical inspiration, hence the name that references one of the pillars of ancient philosophy, the Plato chair is the manifestation of a perfect balance between form and function. It features a sleek yet robust structure with a curved seat for maximum comfort. As Jasper Morrison declares, “a fully recyclable chair...
Aluminum
$1,157Sale Price / item|20% Off
Alias 717 Tagliatelle Outdoor Armchair in White with Stainless Steel Frame
By Alias, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alias 717 Tagliatelle Outdoor Armchair in White with Stainless Steel Frame by Jasper Morrison Stacking chair for outdoor use with arms with structure in brushed stainless steel 31...
Steel
Set of Chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of four chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet.
Metal
Set of 8 Round Chairs by Hans Wegner for PP Mobler
By PP Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Kensington, MD
Set of 8 Round Chairs by Hans Wegner for PP Mobler. The chairs marked and dated to underside. Additional information: The PP503 Chair, designed by Hans Wegner, is identified as one ...
Wood
Set of 2 Kartell Venice Chairs in Grey by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Jellies coat hangers draw their inspiration from the tableware collection of the same name designed by Patricia Urquiola for Kartell in 2014. Dimensions: Height 2.38 in.; diam...
Plastic
$18,167 / set
H 26.38 in W 212.6 in D 37.41 in
Jasper Morrison Super Oblong Modular Sofa Set Design Cappellini Italy
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Krefeld, DE
This rare Super Oblong modular sofa set was designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in Italy and exemplifies Morrison’s philosophy of understated, intelligent design. Composed of ...
Cotton
$2,450
H 28.5 in W 45 in D 26.75 in
Jasper Morrison 2-Seat Two-Tone Blue "Vega" Bench for Artifort with Chrome Base
By Artifort, Jasper Morrison
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jasper Morrison 2-seater "Vega" bench for Artifort 1990's. In original two toned upholstered seats on a chrome wire frame. Seat width 22" each. Visible wear, consistent with age and ...
Chrome
$1,650 / set
H 27 in W 17 in D 13.5 in
Jasper Morrison Hi Pad Counter Stools for Cappellini - Set of Three
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Three Hi Pad counter stools with foot rests designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini. The Hi Pad stool features a seat in beech plywood padded with multi-density polyurethan...
Steel
$1,852 / item
H 14.57 in W 23.23 in D 16.54 in
December Ottoman with leather upholstery by Jasper Morrison & Wataru Kumano
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Fiskars, FI
December Ottoman is designed to accompany the chair by Jasper Morrison and Wataru Kumano in 2014. The chair is light and comfortable, and thanks to its simple Nordic design it suits ...
Leather, Ash, Oak
$2,775 / item
H 27.56 in W 23.23 in D 23.23 in
December Chair with Leather Upholstery by Jasper Morrison & Wataru Kumano
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Fiskars, FI
December chair is designed by Jasper Morrison and Wataru Kumano, 2012. The chair is light and comfortable, and thanks to its simple Nordic design it sui...
Leather, Ash, Oak
$2,344
H 28.75 in W 30.32 in D 22.45 in
Acciaio Lounge armchair, manufacturer Cappellini, designer Max Lipsey
By Cappellini, Max Lipsey
Located in Busnago, IT
The Acciaio Lounge chair is inspired by the classic steel racing bicycle. It is a precious product where technology and high craftsmanship are perfectly mixed. The chair in question...
Steel
Vitra Hal Sledge Chairs by Jasper Morrison, Set of Five
By Jasper Morrison, Vitra
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Hal Sledge Chair by renowned designer Jasper Morrison for Vitra. This sleek and modern chair features a minimalist design with a comfortable sled base, making it the ...
Plastic
$4,031 / item
H 32.68 in W 29.53 in D 33.47 in
Nube Fency Armchair with stool in blue fabric or many other fabrics/leathers
By Marco Corti, Nube Italia
Located in New York, NY
Armchair and stool with internal metal frame covered by shape retaining polyurethane foam. Black oven painted or black nickel painted feet. Not removable cover. The ottoman is not in...
Metal
$10,432
H 25.6 in W 112.21 in D 31.5 in
Oblong sectional sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Oblong sectional Sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy. Jasper Morrison creates his furniture with a light touch and yet perfectionally functional. He counts they’...
Fabric, Polystyrene, Foam, Plywood
Sold
H 23.63 in W 47.25 in D 35.44 in
21stC Pair Of Italian Cappellini "Superoblong" Armchairs By Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare pair of first edition “Superoblong” armchairs by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy. One is finished in brown fabric upholstery and contrasting bright pale blue stitching, ...
Fabric
Sold
H 23.63 in W 47.25 in D 35.44 in
21stC Italian Orange Cappellini "Superoblong" Armchair By Jasper Morrison c.2004
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare first edition “Superoblong” armchair by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy, in orange fabric upholstery and contrasting brown stitching. Jasper Morrison’s design philosoph...
Fabric
Sold
H 23.63 in W 47.25 in D 35.44 in
21stC Italian Brown Cappellini "Superoblong" Armchair By Jasper Morrison c.2004
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare first edition “Superoblong” armchair by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy, in brown fabric upholstery and contrasting brown stitching. Jasper Morrison’s design philosophy...
Fabric
Sold
H 30.71 in W 29.93 in D 35.44 in
Vitra by Jasper Morrison, Park Brown Leather Armchair, 2004, Set of Two
By Vitra, Jasper Morrison
Located in Basildon, London
Designed by Jasper Morrison for Vitra in 2004, the Park armchair has a sleek and modern aesthetic. The chairs have a cubic silhouette, with a solid wood frame and sits on four pol...
Leather
Vitra by Jasper Morrison Park Brown Leather Armchairs
By Vitra, Jasper Morrison
Located in Basildon, London
Designed by Jasper Morrison for Vitra in 2004, the park armchair has a sleek and modern aesthetic. The chairs have a cubic silhouette, with a solid wood frame and sits on four pol...
Leather
Sold
H 33.5 in W 21.5 in D 24 in
Emeco Navy Officer Swivel Armchair in Black Leather and Brushed Aluminum Frame
By Jasper Morrison, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Jasper Morrison has given Emeco’s classic upholstered Navy Officer Collection a fresh, light and modern update. The Navy Officer Collection by Jasper Morrison features a chair, an armchair and swivel chairs, available in hand-brushed aluminum or a black powder coat finish. Upholstery is offered in a selection of Kvadrat and Maharam textiles and leathers. The Emeco 1006...
Aluminum