Artistic, innovative and entrepreneurial, the self-taught creator Tom Dixon has been a contemporary design-world maverick for more than three decades. From his revolutionary art-meets-design projects of the 1980s and throughout his dynamic and influential career as a designer of furniture, housewares and interiors, the only consistent note has been change. Dixon’s chief fascination is exploring new materials and new ways of constructing things.
Dixon was restless even as a young man. He enjoyed ceramics and drawing in high school but later dropped out of the Chelsea School of Art in London. While repairing his motorcycle in 1983, Dixon learned how to weld and took to the craft. He began making what he has called semi-functional objects from scrap metal (sometime as performance art in a nightclub), then formed a furniture studio–cum–think tank called Creative Salvage. Amid the ritzy excess of the ’80s, Dixon — along with designers such as Tejo Remy and Ron Arad — forged a new, attention-getting aesthetic with furniture made from found materials.
In 1987, Dixon began working for the Italian furniture manufacturer Cappellini, which put his best-known design, the slender, sinuous S chair, into production, followed by such pieces as the Pylon chair (1992), a wire lattice that resembles electrical transmission towers. Starting in the 1990s, Dixon expanded his interests rapidly. He started a company to manufacture the stackable plastic Jack light; joined the housewares retailer Habitat as creative director; and breathed new life into Artek, the venerable Finnish maker that Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino helped cofound. Since 2002, Dixon has run his namesake company fabricating furnishings from novel materials like brass foil-clad wood and “vacuum-metalized” glass.
The hallmark of Dixon’s design is his captivation with the process of creating pieces such as chairs, tables and lighting fixtures. “A kind friend once described me as a ‘vertebrate designer,’” Dixon has said. “That means that I design from the bones outwards and am not really interested in surface.”
Classic Dixon pieces are those that exhibit the manner of their making — from his early work in welded scrap metal to the woven rattan seats and backs of his Fat chair for Cappellini. There are two ways to approach Dixon designs: as a collector, or as a decorator. The former will seek Dixon’s one-off and limited edition works and prototypes. These historical artifacts carry high prices that range from around $8,000 to $50,000 and above. Those more interested in a dynamic look will find that manufactured Dixon designs — such as his Jack lights or his Melt pendant — can be found for prices that range from about $300 to $1,000. Either way, as you will see on 1stDibs, the designs of Tom Dixon have a singular allure that makes them a noteworthy element in any room.
Pair of 2007 Restored George Smith Tom Dixon Wing Back Armchairs
By George Smith, Tom Dixon
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of fully restored original edition 2007 Tom Dixon George Smith wingback armchairs RRP £16,000 Inspired by the traditional 17t...
Upholstery, Beech, Oak
$4,028Sale Price / set|30% Off
Coppia di Poltrone Cappellini Tom Dixon Banana Metallo e paglia Italia 1980
By Tom Dixon, Cappellini
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Coppia di Poltrone Realizzate da Cappellini su disegno di Tom Dixon Serie Banana Chairs , in metallo curvato e paglia naturale, presentano alcune riparazioni nella seduta.
Iron
Tom Dixon - Chair Speed - Circa 1990
By Tom Dixon
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Tom Dixon Lounge chair Speed Wrought iron / rattan pith Space design edition 1990 H 133 x d 110 x l 57 cm In very good condition
Metal
$1,777Sale Price|50% Off
Tom Dixon Green Pivot Chair
By Tom Dixon
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Tom Dixon Pivot Chair - as a factory first production, it plays a key role in the origin story of this iconic chair. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, t...
Fabric, Plastic
Early 19th Century George III Wing Chair
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century George III mahogany upholstered wing chair, the shaped back with outscrolled wings raised above padded arms with reeded terminals with flower head motif raised ove...
Mahogany
$479
H 42.92 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Coppia Di Poltrone in Vimini Rattan Anni 50, Vintage, Mid-Century, Deco
Located in Milano, MI
Coppia di poltrone in vimini rattan anni 50 - vintage - mid century - deco Descrizione : Coppia di sedie in rattan poltrone con porta riviste ann...
Rattan
$1,995 / set
H 45 in W 24 in D 25.5 in
Pair of Petite Mid Century Wing Back Armchairs in " White Damask "
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful and elegant in their petite size combined with damask upholstery. Well constructed wood frames that support the tall back well, very comfortable. Chairs are white, not gree...
Damask, Maple
George III Mahogany Wing Back Chair
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with arched back. Winged sides and arms. Loose cushion seat and cabriole legs and pad feet. Used striped fabric.
Mahogany
$5,277
H 38.5 in W 29.5 in D 26.75 in
18thC Walnut period Wing Armchair reupholstered, English George 1st Ca 1720
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very fine quality English, walnut, wing arm chair from the early years of the 18th century, George the first period, circa 1720. Chairs from this very early Georgian perio...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,381
H 32.29 in W 36.62 in D 33.86 in
"Banana" Lounge Chair by Tom Dixon for Cappellini, Italy, 1990s
By Cappellini, Tom Dixon
Located in Milan, IT
"Banana" lounge chair by Tom Dixon for Cappellini. Aerial metal frame fully covered with natural fibers.
Metal
$1,617
H 41.74 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
1 x Hourglass Rope Dining Chair Tom Dixon Style Metal Frame UK, 1980s Postmodern
By Tom Dixon
Located in London, GB
An amazing hourglass rope chair designed after the famous 'S' chair of Tom Dixon. The chair is weaved with rushed rope weaved around a metal frame. It holds a playful and beautiful...
Iron
Pair of “Rubber Band” Chairs by Tom Dixon, UK, 2005
By Tom Dixon
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
Originally conceived in the Tom Dixon studio as an experimental café-style chair, the “Rubber Band” was first assembled from rubber bands and paper clips. In its final form, oversized rubber bands are stretched across a simple galvanized steel frame to create a seat that is both bouncy and supportive. The design is a playful yet radical exploration of materiality and form, reflecting Dixon’s view of furniture as functional sculpture. Extremely rare on the market, these chairs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and represent a striking moment in contemporary British design. About the designer Tom Dixon (b. 1959, Tunisia) is a British designer renowned for his industrial, material-driven approach to contemporary design. Rising to prominence in the 1980s with his welded salvage furniture...
Metal
George II style wing back armchair
Located in Cheshire, GB
George II style armchair the shaped wing back having outswept arms supported on carved cabriolet legs terminating in claw and ball feet united by turned stretchers. Dimensions Height...
Wood
$1,918Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33.47 in W 31.5 in D 33.47 in
Coppia di poltrone vintage in velluto multicolore anni '70, design Italiano
Located in None, IT
Coppia di poltrone con struttura in legno e rivestimento in velluto multicolore, gambe e inserti in metallo cromato, design italiano, anni '70. CONDIZIONE: In buone condizioni, potr...
Metal, Brass
19th Century Reclining Wing Armchair
Located in Cheshire, GB
19th century wing armchair, the shaped reclining back above large movable arm rests, leading down to fully adjustable stool, Upholstered in tartan fabric. Raised on four tuned legs t...
Wood
George III Barrel Back Linen & feather Upholstered Armchair
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A George III barrel back chair. Upholstered in a lovely grey linen with interior tub-back wings and elegant hand stitches decoration to the seams. Displaying out-scrolled arms and a ...
Linen
Wingback Chair by Tom Dixon
By Tom Dixon
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the stunning Wingback Chair by renowned designer Tom Dixon. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, this chair features a sleek and modern design that will elevate a...
Velvet, Wood
Blue 'Pylon' chair by Tom Dixon for Cappellini
By Tom Dixon, Cappellini
Located in Kleinburg, ON
This striking chair is a creation of Tom Dixon, inspired by the industrial structures and bridges of London. The chair is made of hand-welded copper-plated steel rods, forming a geometric lattice. Dixon’s impetus for the Pylon chair...
Steel
Tom Dixon for Cappellini Wicker S-Chair
By Cappellini, Tom Dixon
Located in Basildon, London
Designed by Tom Dixon, one of the best known British designers of the 21st century, the S-chair went into production with Cappellini in 1991. The S-chair is instantly recognisable, thanks to its sculptural silhouette and is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, making it a true design icon. The S-shaped seat is constructed from wicker, with a curved high backrest which flows seamlessly into the seat. The chair sits on a circular steel base, creating a cantilever effect, as if the seat is defying gravity. A true design classic, this Tom Dixon S...
Wicker
Pair of Banana Chair by Tom Dixon for Cappellini
By Tom Dixon
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Pair of banana chair by Tom Dixon for Cappellini. Materials: Metal and rush Dimensions : 91x92x60cm Circa 1980 Price : 5900€ (€) These original pi...
Metal
Tom Dixon, Bolide Chair, Circa 1988
By Tom Dixon
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Tom Dixon. Bolide chair. lounge chair. Metal and braided rope. Circa 1988. 121 x D 55 x 122 cms. Rare edition. Excellent condition.
Metal
Banana Chair by Tom Dixon, Produced for Cappellini, 1988
By Cappellini, Tom Dixon
Located in New York, NY
The Banana chair by Tom Dixon Design by Tom Dixon, circa 1988 Tom Dixon, (b. 1959 England - ) Manufactured by Cappellini, Italy. Wrought iron structur...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Baby Fat Armchairs by Tom Dixon, Circa 1990
By Tom Dixon
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Pair of Baby fat armchairs - Tom Dixon -Circa 1990 Cappelini Edition Straw and black metal H92xL92xP73.
Metal
Tom Dixon Armchair, "Baby Fat" Model, Cappellini Edition
By Cappellini, Tom Dixon
Located in Naples, IT
Painted iron rod, woven straw. Exceptional Banana "Baby Fat" armchair designed by Tom Dixon, in the version made by Cappellini (1990). Varnished iron frame wi...
Iron
Sold
H 49.61 in W 28.94 in D 38.98 in
Rare Pair of 2007 George Smith Kilim Tom Dixon Wing Back Armchairs
By Tom Dixon, George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of fully restored original edition 2007 Tom Dixon George Smith wingback armchairs with Kilim upholstery RRP £18,000 I have tw...
Upholstery, Beech, Oak
Sold
H 50 in W 29 in D 36 in
Tom Dixon Wingback Black Leg Hallingdal 65 Armchair Lounge, George Smith, UK
By George Smith, Tom Dixon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tom Dixon wingback black leg Hallingdal 65 armchair lounge, George Smith, UK, black Hallingdal textile. Wingback was inspired by traditional 17th century wingback and balloon-back...
Textile, Oak
Sold
H 50 in W 29 in D 36 in
Tom Dixon Wingback Black Leg Hallingdal 65 Armchair Lounge, George Smith, UK
By Tom Dixon, George Smith
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tom Dixon wingback black leg Hallingdal 65 armchair lounge, George Smith, UK, black Hallingdal textile. Wingback was inspired by traditional 17th century wingback and balloon-back...
Textile, Oak
Tom Dixon Armchair, "Baby Fat" Model, Cappellini Edition
By Tom Dixon
Located in Brussels, BE
Tom Dixon armchair, "Baby Fat" model - Cappellini edition, circa 1990.
Iron