Faye Toogood’s name is practically synonymous with her Roly Poly chair. With its chubby legs and bowl-like seat, the now-iconic piece epitomized the trend toward chunky forms that defined avant-garde furniture design in the 2010s. But the visionary British artist’s contributions go far beyond the chair and its similarly robust companion pieces, in disciplines ranging from textiles and ceramics to fashion and home interiors.
“I design holistically, with an overall vision across fashion, furniture and interiors,” she tells 1stDibs. “Furniture is something I return to over and over again and is a very strong part of this vision. I am interested in humans and the way they live — the spaces they inhabit, the clothes they wear, the objects they surround themselves with.”
After a childhood spent running free in the English countryside with nature as her playground, Toogood studied art history at Bristol University rather than attend art school. Her design approach is underpinned by contrast and understandably informed by art history, particularly the mid-20th-century modernism of such British artists as Barbara Hepworth and Alfred Wallis. “For me, it is about playing around with references and our associations, be that with materials or the precious and the raw, the masculine and the feminine,” she explains. “I’m able to use those contrasts to create friction.”
Toogood has exhibited at Phillips and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Triennale in Milan and D Museum in Seoul. In addition, her works are in the permanent collections of institutions worldwide, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art; Dallas Museum of Art; Denver Art Museum; High Museum of Art, in Atlanta; Corning Museum of Glass, in New York; the National Gallery of Victoria, in Melbourne; and the Fabergé Museum in St. Petersburg.
Shop furniture designs from Faye Toogood today on 1stDibs.
H 8 in W 8.5 in D 4 in
Wonderful French Bronze Neoclassical Fireplace Draped Fabric Chenets Andirons
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful French bronze neoclassical fireplace draped fabric chenets andirons finished by Large Acorn finials. Measures: 8" H x 8.5" W x4&qu...
Bronze
H 62 in W 55 in D 21.5 in
Old Fireplace Mantel - Antique Fireplace - Old Limestone fireplace mantle
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
This old mantel was intricately hand carved by Italian master carvers and installed on site anywhere between circa(1782-1805). It has been well preserved throughout the years. It was...
Limestone
H 44.5 in W 52.5 in D 6 in
Old Fireplace Mantel - Antique Fireplace - Old Limestone fireplace mantle
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
This old mantel was intricately hand carved by Italian master carvers and installed on site anywhere between circa(1782-1805). It has been well preserved throughout the years. It was...
Limestone
H 55.12 in W 54.34 in D 25.99 in
Antique Fireplace
Located in Made, NL
Beautiful antique fireplace made of French limestone from the 19th century in Campagnarde style. This mantelpiece has a rustic appearance with a warm color nuance and slightly curved...
Limestone
H 46.86 in W 57.49 in D 18.9 in
Antique Fireplace
Located in Made, NL
Very special antique fireplace of bi-color marble stone. This marble stone gives a unique color to the fireplace. It is a unique fireplace in our col...
Other
H 40.56 in W 60.24 in D 11.42 in
Antique Fireplace
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
This elegant 19th-century Louis XVI-style fireplace mantel, crafted from exquisite Buxy limestone, is a timeless French treasure. Sourced from France, it features clean, classical ...
Limestone
H 69.25 in W 79.75 in D 16.25 in
Marble Fireplace
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb Carrera marble fireplace. Truly unique. Exquisite detail. Italy, circa 1820.
Carrara Marble
H 44.1 in W 58.67 in D 10.63 in
Antique Fireplace
Located in Made, NL
Beautiful antique mantelpiece made of Burgundian stone from the 19th century in the style of Louis XV. A very graceful mantelpiece with various ornaments and decorations. This mantel...
Other
H 119 in W 75 in D 24 in
French Limestone Fireplace
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted from exquisite limestone quarried in Bordeaux, France in 1680, this French Limestone Fireplace Mantel boasts authentic Bolection style carvings. The perfect addition to any f...
Limestone
H 99 in W 49 in D 25 in
French Limestone Fireplace
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant French Limestone Fireplace, originating from France circa 1820, features intricate line carving details throughout the mantel. Crafted from high-quality limestone, this ...
Limestone
The British creative talent has turned a series of maquettes into covetable, life-size pieces that retain the delightfully handcrafted quality of the originals.
Get a sneak peak at some of the singular pieces that will be on display at this year's show, which range from vintage masterpieces by legendary makers to innovative creations from emerging talents.
