A long-standing Chinese client commissioned a dining table and eighteen chairs for their city apartment in Hong Kong.  In the room, four large surrealist paintings by Salvador Dali featuring butterflies as a symbol of care-free living were echoed in the design of the chairs. 

 

The Butterfly dining chairs (and table) were constructed from a single tree of English ash with a large proportion of olive. In order to make the best use of the whole tree, the 3D laminated legs/arms and backs combined alternative layers of pale and olive. 

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The structure of the chair demonstrates a high level of inventive craftsmanship, both visual and technical intrigue, whilst meeting complex requirements with a simplicity of form.  The dominant colours are yellow, green and blue.  Veneers of these colours have been incorporated in the 3D laminations for the chair backs, revealed when these were sculpted to provide excellent lumbar support.