Giuseppe Merlino from the north of Italy is a graduating student whose pieces contain so much design inspiration.
First it was a Bauhaus-inspired writing desk, containing much design elegance.
It perfectly combines form and function in a table that is both simple, complex and architectural.
Giuseppe, from near Milan, was previously a post-doctoral researcher in microbiology based in Saudi Arabia.
Then came his second project, a floating-top coffee table in American oak.
It’s held together with a combination of bridle and mortice and tenon joints.
Giuseppe’s architectural approach shines through in the veneered rosewood triangles that adorn its top.
The inside of each triangle is veneered with heartwood – a darker colour hewn from rosewood where sap doesn’t flow.
The lighter shade of rosewood making up the triangles has been cut from sapwood. That’s the part of the tree where sap does flow.
It’s a design that, like his desk, artfully combines form and function, with a top that seems to float from the rest of the structure.
His third piece was a chair made from European oak. It’s held together with pegs fumed with ammonia, and incorporating steam-bent elements.
He’s named it after Arthur Schopenhauer, the 19th century German philosopher.
He’s often described as the artist’s philosopher on account of the inspiration his aesthetics has given to artists of all kinds.
We’re delighted that Giuseppe is staying on at the school. He’ll be setting up his business, Giuseppe Merlino Furniture, from our on-campus incubation space.