Meltdown Series

Design Tom Price, UK

The Meltdown Series is the result of an experimental process developed by Tom Price, which uses a variety of commonplace plastic products to create a strikingly diverse collection of sculptural seating. Despite its sculptural appearance, there is a concern for functionality and comfort. The mould of the seat is based on the familiar generic shape of an Eames chair. The juxtaposition of a modernist, mass-produced shape into a hand-crafted chair reinforces its functionality.  The re-moulding of the material often creates a strong contrast in texture and appearance between the seat and remaining un-melted material that forms the base. This series by Tom Price has been recognized by collectors and curators alike.  PP Tube was recently part of a group exhibition which included design icons such as Marc Newson, Ron Arad and Marcel Wanders among others.  PP Tube is now part of the permanent design collection at the  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Meltdown Chair PP Sheet

This chair is created by heating and pressing a seat-shaped former into a bundle of crumpled polypropylene sheets.  The sheets begin to liquefy as they come into contact with the heated former, then set in the shape of a seat as it cools, creating a contrast in form and texture to the remaining sheets.

Meltdown Chair PVC Hose

This chair is created by heating and pressing a seat-shaped former into a ball of clear PVC hose.  The hose begins to melt as it comes into contact with the heated former and, due to prolonged exposure to the heat it starts to burn.  Once cooled the surface of the seat looks charred and brittle but is surprisingly flexible and comfortable to sit on.

Meltdown Chair Cable Tie

This chair is created by heating and pressing a seat shaped former into a woven ball of approximately 10,000 black nylon cable ties.

Meltdown Chair PP Tube

This chair is created by heating and pressing a seat-shaped former into a stack of common plumbing tubes.  The ends of the tubes melt and fuse together as they come into contact with the heated former leaving a pattern of irregular holes on the surface of the moulded seat.

Meltdown Chair PP Tube 2

This second version of the PP Tube Chair tests the strength of the material and process by greatly reducing the amount of tube used.  Whereas the first version had many legs for support, this has just four and many fewer welded joints overall.

These chairs are part of a limited series. Please contact us for a price list.