Contours by Bodo Sperlein

On November 9, 2021, New York-based design gallery Les Ateliers Courbet unveils an exhibition of new designs by London-based designer Bodo Sperlein as part of his Contour collection. The new Contour editions expand upon Sperlein’s ongoing design investigation of sensuous lines and curved silhouettes drawing inspiration from the clean-curved silhouettes of the 20th century Art Nouveau movement. For Sperlein, “The Contour furniture range is a celebration of skills and crafts that push boundaries in creating intricate curves. The dexterity of the craftsmen gives the wood and bronze pieces a sinuous sculptural appearance reminiscent of the Japanese influences on the Vienna Secession movement.” Long drawn to Sperlein’s original Contour collection (c. 2009) which included a table, bench and chair, Courbet encouraged the designer to expand the collection with a new console, chair, and side table to be unveiled at the exhibition. With this growing body of work, the designer pays homage to the artisanal dexterity of his woodcrafter-collaborators in London. While the wood pieces challenge the material's ductility, his latest cast bronze iteration emphasizes the consistent visual and tactile sensuality in the designer's vocabulary as the dual bronze finish highlights the movements and folds of the works.