MODERN FURNITURE FOR A MODERN STUDIO
On the left is one of the modern studios at Broadcasting House, London. The chairs are of the "nesting" type, and are similar to the ones which form a portion of the furnishings at the new 1YA studio, Auyk- | land.
believe that there’s no comfort in the new tubular steel furniture go and try some of the chairs and settees at the new 1YA studio in Shortland Street. (On second. thoughts the authorities mightn’t thank us for extending such a sweeping invitation, so you’!l have to take our word that this new furniture is every bit as comfortable as the old type-and far cleaner and snarter in appearance. ) |‘ you’re one’of those people who A "Radio Record" representative who looked over the premises of the Auckland Bedstead Company in Ponsonby, Auckland-the factory where this new furniture was made -was much impressed with the progress that has been made in New Zealand in the building of this furniture that is destined to play a great part in the home life of the future. Steel furniture is not really new, but originated 30 years ago when its hygienic and simple structural qualities brought it into use in hospitals. It gradually drifted from hospitals to cocktail bars and many of Europe’s and America’s smartest night clubs used it to furnish their premises. To-day steel is being skilfully combined with such materials as wood, leather, fabric and glass to’ fashion furniture which is finding a ready sale among homebuilders. In time,. it will be no: longer necessary to use the word steel as a prefix to furniture of that type. Steel and other metal will be accepted in the future as-an ordinary essential of efficiency in furniture of all kinds without special reference to its inclusion with other materials. Tm many homes and public buildings to-day the problem of main-_ taining the desirable appearance and.
integrity: of furniture and fittings has become accentuated by increased cost ot labour. The contemporary home has its servant problem; the majority of homes are without servants, and considerably less spacious than were the homes of yesterday. In consequence domestic furniture is in closer contact with its owners than it was in days gone by. In theatres and restaurants the difficulty of maintenance is accentuated by the rough treatment given the fittings by patrons and cleaners. Here is where steel furniture has come into its own. The furniture made for the new Auckland studio is characterised by simplicity of design-that simplicity that lends an air to anything smart and useful. The chairs for the concert hall are of the "nesting" type; that is, they can be fitted one in the
other and stored away in a comparatively small space. Most of these chairs are chromium plated and upholstered in brown, but one or two have been finished in bronze. There are round and square _ tables, the majority of them have tops of black vitrolite glass. The. main studio has furniture upholstered in various shades of green, two suites being finished in green suede. No. 2
studio is furnished in orange and black and black tape tapestry, while the talks studio is pleasingly decorated with furniture of steel and orange, black and gold tapestry. In the announcer’s and control rooms has been used a cloth (with fine wearing qualities) not formerly known in New Zealand. The desks for use in various pas¥ of the building are of metal and wainut, and are designed for both hard use and good looks. A similar type of desk is illustrated on this page. The ‘Auckland Bedstead Company, which has designed and built all the furniture, was established about 40 years with the object of making iron bedsteads. But, with _changing fashions, iron bedsteads waned in popularity and the’ company turned to other types of furntture. A large department was e3tablished for the making of wooden
furniture, and to-day the company is employing more than 60 people.
\.. "Iron bedsteads are not in general use now-a-days," said the manager
of the company (Mr. W. H. Dawn) to the "Radio Record," "although we still make a number for the hospitals. In the early days we branched out into other branches of the iron trade, and have always done a fair amount of wrought iron work. In later years acetone welding altered the style of iron work, and, with the change-over from iron to wooden bedsteads, we swung over to wood as well, and to-day we are ettgaged in any types of wood and cabinet work." The reporter went with Mr. Dawn through the big factory at Ponsonby and marvelled at the machines that can be called upon ‘to turn out modern furniture. One of. the chief difficulties in the making of steel furniture lies in the bending. of the rods to prevent flattening and dents. It is an intricate job, but a special machine assists materially. Another machine in the same shop cuts iron like butter. It was brought home, too, just what a big part electricity plays in the modern furniture factory. The great god Power is pressed into service at every turn-even to providing the motive behind electric screwdrivers! The Auckland Bedstead Company is well in the advance guard with steel furniture. It will
probably be a year or two before the public takes to it for furnishing rooms in private homes, but it will come, just as surely as the heavilyornamented sideboards and diningroom tables of the Victorian era are destined for the scrap-heap.
Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/RADREC19341214.2.25
Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka
Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 23, 14 December 1934, Page 16
Word count
Tapeke kupu
916MODERN FURNITURE FOR A MODERN STUDIO Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 23, 14 December 1934, Page 16
Using this item
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
See our copyright guide for information on how you may use this title.