15.11.21

Although I am working on a lot of different projects I'm still thinking of other projects I can work on and specifically ones larger in scale. Still staying within the realm of history as a leaping point and having a fascination with chair design I began looking at chairs with historical importance I found the 'Sella Curulis' otherwise known as the 'Curule' chair. Although historically representing great power in modern times the term 'Curule' applies to the visual crossing of the legs. I want to create a version with a ceramic and twine because I feel it'll be an interesting way to bring some of my methods together in a more structural way and the looseness of the visuals of the chair give me a lot of room to play with but still making it a recognisable as a 'curule chair'.

A French Louis XV 'X-Frame' Stool 1735-39

Sella Curulis (Curule Seat)

A curule seat is a design of a (usually) foldable and transportable chair noted for its uses in Ancient Rome and Europe through to the 20th century. In the Roman Republic, and Empire, the curule chair was the seat upon which magistrates holding imperium were entitled to sit. In Rome, the curule chair was traditionally made of or veneered with ivory, with curved legs forming a wide X; it had no back, and low arms. Although often of luxurious construction, this chair was meant to be uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time, the double symbolism being that the official was expected to carry out his public function in an efficient and timely manner, and that his office, being an office of the republic, was temporary, not perennial. 

French Leather and Iron Curule Stool Circa 1940