Undesigner Furniture

I have to admit, I'm something of a design snob. An inverted design snob, that is.

The minute that I find out that a piece of furniture that I am admiring is by a 'name designer' or 'collectable', I immediately lose interest and move on. Mostly because those pieces are out of my price range, but also because 'designer' pieces, by their very nature, aren't unique. Having an original Le Corbusier Chaise Longue may signal your great taste and wealth, but with thousands of them in circulation, it's hardly a reflection of a singular vision. (See? I told you I was a snob).

However, when it comes to a beautiful piece of design that has no pedigree, background or provenance - I'm all ears. In fact, if the object happens to have been crafted without much of a conscious design - better still.

Here are three examples of what I mean. All come from Spitalfields Antique Market.

This little treasure was found at Andrew Coram's stall - who couldn't tell me much about it. Apparently it came from a house filled with props - but there's no indication of how it came into existence. I've never seen anything quite like it.

I particularly love the 'Eiffel' style construction, and the faded yellow/red colourway. Take that, Ray and Charles Eames!

And speaking of excellent modernist design couples, Steve and Edele Sorrell (aka the Eames of Bognor), sourced this simple yet effective picnic table for me.

The real beauty is in its elegant way of folding up. The perfect way to travel in style.

Finally - a 'copyist's stand' from Jamie at Fish island Antiques. Not only very practical for transcribing music or copying documents - scanners are so bourgeois, non?- but also a gorgeous piece of wooden sculpture.

Big names (and the big prices they fetch) are all very well, but for me, 'Undesigner furniture' is a far more satisfying and soulful way to kit out your home.