The Pimlico armchair, designed by Mentsen in 2021, was originally commissioned for 2 Bessborough Street - made of solid wood, this comfortable and compact lounge chair is available with or without upholstery.
The Pimlico family of furniture was designed for the reception area of a Grade II listed office building on 2 Bessborough Street in London. This building was designed by William Whitfield in the early 1980s and is a rather hefty construction with an octagonal plan. Mentsen took this as a starting point and designed a family of lounge furniture with faceted features that play with the weightiness of solid surfaces and the lightness tapered thin edges create. All wooden parts were made with FSC certified European oak. the Pimlico armchair is made to order in Mentsen's studio in South London. Customers can contact the company for pricing and lead time.
Mentsen's approach was to design furniture that nods to the character of the building but also lightens and softens the impression at the same time. They wanted to reflect the current shift in the idea of a workspace, where more comfortable, human-centered spaces are desired, and flexible and casual working is more expected. The result was a shape that echoes the geometric and solidness of the building, and a choice of materials that emphasize the warmth and tactility, be it oak wood, fabrics on upholstery, or marble on tables.
Mentsen is a London-based design duo founded back in 2011 by two Japanese creatives, Yasuyuki Sakurai and Risa Sano. The name "Mentsen" comes from the Japanese words for "surfaces and lines," reflecting their focus on exploring different mediums and scales in their work. Their design practice extends globally, offering product design and art direction services to businesses and cultural organizations. What makes Mentsen stand out is their collaborative approach, working closely with clients to create authentic design solutions that enhance experiences and emotionally engage audiences.
At the core of their philosophy lies clarity and thoughtfulness, with a hands-on approach to design that involves experimenting with materials and production processes in their own workshop.
